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During the trade mission, Judge Hidalgo and the delegation met with representatives from the German National Football Team at a bilateral sports investment summit. The U.S. is a vital market for German soccer, particularly due to its strong potential for commercial revenue growth, lucrative sponsorship opportunities and a high volume of emerging young American talent.

Judge Hidalgo and the delegation then met with Frankfurt RheinMain GmbH (FRM), Frankfurt’s regional agency responsible for attracting foreign investment, as well as the Frankfurt Chamber of Commerce. The delegates and business leaders discussed investment, trade and logistics for businesses in order to encourage Frankfurt-based companies considering U.S. expansion to view Houston/Harris County as their entry point.

At the close of the German leg of the trade mission, Judge Hidalgo and the delegation met with BASF SE, the world’s largest chemical producer and a company with a strong presence in Houston. The meeting highlighted opportunities to further strengthen collaboration and economic ties and including discussions around best practices.

In Portugal, Judge Hidalgo and the delegation visited the Portuguese national team headquarters in Lisbon, where they met with acclaimed Portuguese Head Coach Roberto Martinez, as well as several business leaders including António Martins da Costa, President, American Chamber (AMCHAM Portugal). The delegation spoke with Coach Martinez about how to provide Portuguese football fans in Houston with the best experience. Portugal will play two games in Houston, which will make history as some of the last games of famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career and the first time in over 60 years that Portugal played two World Cup games in one country.

Judge Hidalgo also met with Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moeda, and with Ana Guattani, the Municipal Director of Economy and Innovation with the Lisbon City Council. The conversation revolved around innovation initiatives in both Houston/Harris County and Lisbon, opportunities for collaboration and exchanges of best practices. 

Judge Hidalgo and the delegation concluded their time in Lisbon with a reception hosted by Honorary Consul General of Portugal in Houston, Jose Ivo. They were joined by Secretary of State for Tourism Pedro Machado, Secretary of State for Sport Pedro Dias, Administrator for the World Portuguese Network Luís Álvaro Campos Ferreira, and renowned Portuguese footballer Pepe. Discussions focused on strengthening international partnerships, advancing tourism and economic collaboration, and maximizing the fan experience in Houston/Harris County.

This is the third trade mission Judge Hidalgo has led during her tenure. Her previous trade missions to Paris and Taiwan/Japan have secured local investments from massive international companies including Inventec, Foxconn and Mitsubishi.

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