Greater Houston Partnership Announces Agreement With Brazil's Orbiz

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HOUSTON, Oct. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Greater Houston Partnership (GHP) is announcing an agreement today with Sao Paulo-based consulting firm, Orbiz, whose main focus is the development of international business and trade partnerships.

Orbiz becomes GHP's strategic partner in Brazil and will help identify and facilitate investment opportunities for both Brazilian and Houston companies in their respective markets.

"We are excited about the growth prospects this will bring both regions, but we especially see great value for the Houston region as a primary business destination for Brazil's expanding firms looking to do business overseas," said GHP President and CEO, Bob Harvey. "Our economies are so similar, there's a natural fit that will only draw our two communities closer together through trade and investment."

The Greater Houston Partnership is the primary business voice of the Houston region and is dedicated to building regional economic prosperity. With more than 2,000 Member organizations, GHP represents approximately one-fifth of the area's work force.

Houston, the fourth largest city in America, is already Brazil's second largest trading partner in the U.S.  Brazil is the Houston region's fourth largest trading partner. Total annual trade between the two reached $14.6 billion in 2012, and has grown nominally by more than $12.3 billion since 2000, representing a compound annual growth rate of 16.6 percent. Uniworld Business reports that 420 Houston area firms are operating 1,789 affiliated subsidiaries in Brazil. Meanwhile, 10 Brazilian firms operate 13 subsidiary locations in Houston, including Petrobras, Odebrecht and Oxiteno.

A significant player in the international economy, Houston is home to 94 foreign consulates - including Brazil - and the headquarters of 25 Fortune 500 companies – the third most in the U.S. It is the site of the Texas Medical Center - the world's largest medical complex - and also is the "Energy Capital of the World" because of its large concentration of oil, gas and renewable energy companies.

"Orbiz is pleased to collaborate with the GHP as its representative in Brazil, promoting business opportunities with one of the most innovative and dynamic regions in the U.S. and world," said Orbiz CEO Aline Barabinot. "The current circumstances present great prospects for both Brazilian companies interested in operating in Houston, just as it does for Houston-based companies interested in doing business in Brazil. While the economic ties between our territories are bound to grow significantly in the foreseeable future, Orbiz is determined to be an effective facilitator to that process."

For more information on business and trade opportunities in Houston, visit www.houston.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Stephen Duncan
303-455-9464 [email protected]

SOURCE Greater Houston Partnership