International Business Month: Houston's Global Connections

Published May 06, 2022 by A.J. Mistretta

Great global cities are inextricably linked to the broader international community through trade, investment and culture. One of the attributes of Houston that makes it a global city is its strong ties to nations around the world and the impact those ties have on the regional economy.

Today, Houston is home to 18 Forbes Global 2000 headquarters and more than 12,000 companies in this region export goods and services abroad.

In recognition of World Trade Month, the Partnership is hosting International Business Month — an in-depth look at Houston's thriving global ties and our position as one of today's great global cities. Learn more about upcoming events this month.

Here are just a few of the facts and figures that support Houston's position as a great global city.

Nearly 90 countries have official government representation in Houston and the area hosts 15 foreign trade and commercial offices
The region is home to 16 foreign banks from nine nations
Nearly 1 in 4 Houston residents is foreign born
The Port of Houston is No. 1 in the U.S. in foreign tonnage and No. 1 in exports
Houston is the only city in Texas with two international airports and one of only 8 in the U.S.
Goods and commodities shipped abroad from Houston totaled $140 billion in 2021
Nearly half of the world’s 100 largest non-U.S.-based companies have operations in Houston
Houston has 19 sister-city relationships across the globe promoting bilateral business and cultural exchange

Join the Partnership for the State of Houston's Global Economy on May 20 to learn more about the opportunities and threats facing our international business future. And get more details on International Business Month.