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International Affairs and Development International Newsletter, December 2005 p. 8Special Announcement - Mayor White Calls Upon the International Community Houston is famous for its oil and energy industry. However, as many of us know very well, Houston’s business horizon extends across oceans and continents. 1 out of every 3 jobs in Houston is related to the international sector. 1 out every 12 Houstonians are born outside the United States. More than 3,400 firms and organizations trading 264 types of products and services reported international business activities in more than 200 countries. We receive over 100 international delegations (of all types) and over 15,000 international patients that visit the Texas Medical Center every year. There are 83 foreign consulates in Houston. In the course of pursuing trade with our global neighbors, the Port of Houston and the Houston Airport System alone produce a combined annual economic impact in excess of $50 billion per year.Mayor White, with the vision of enhancing Houston’s global presence, is very pleased to announce the formation of the Mayor’s International Affairs & Development Councils (MIADC). The Seven new councils, wholly comprised from the international community, will focus upon the following regions of the world: Africa, Americas, Asia, Canada, Europe, Middle East/ North Africa, and South Asia. These seven councils will focus on creating strategies and implementing projects that will include, but are not limited to:
● Advise and assist the Mayor and City representatives on matters of international affairs and development of each international community’s respective international regions that concern the growth of Houston as an international city, and with regard to regional sociopolitical issues affecting Houston businesses.
● Identify, investigate and establish methods and ways that will effectively capitalize opportunities inexpansion and promotion of international trade for the Greater Houston region.
● Recommend and/or execute special projects that would be in the interest of Houston as an internationalcity and mechanisms to enhance involvement of the international community in Houston’s civic and cultural life.
● Establish methods and ways that will effectively work with Houston-area governing bodies, entities, andgroups that are integral parts of Houston’s international sector.
The MIADC councils will convene their meetings in January 2006; Mayor White is fully confident that the councils, in working with the Houston-area international community, will be an invaluable resource to the preservation, promotion, and continued growth of Houston’s standing as a renowned global city. For more information, please contact Helen Chang, Director, Mayor’s Office of International Affairs and Development at 713-247-3595. International Affairs and Development International Newsletter, December 2005 International Affairs and Development International Newsletter, January 2006 International Affairs and Development International Newsletter, February 2006 International Affairs and Development International Newsletter, March 2006 International Affairs and Development International Newsletter, April 2006 * MIADC/Europe Newsletter, April 2006 International Affairs and Development International Newsletter, May 2006 * MIADC/Europe Newsletter, May 2006 International Affairs and Development International Newsletter, June 2006 |
