Texas’ robust and dynamic economy has not gone unnoticed FELABAN leadership wishes to bring more business and trade opportunities to their constituents, the more than 600 banks represented through the various National Banking Associations in each Latin American country that fall under the Federation’s umbrella.

In addition to Latin America’s recent increase in involvement and negotiations of Free Trade Agreements with the US, several latin financial institutions and investors are seeking business and investment opportunities in other markets. Intrigued by the success that Texas has had with linking its economy to Mexico, there is a vested interest in extending this link further south to the rest of the region and a firm belief that banks and inter-bank relationships play a key role in this process.

Houston has more than 90 consular representations, making it the most international city in the State of Texas and third in the entire US. Besides being the energy capital, it is also the largest medical center and the second largest seaport in the country.

According to the financial publication Business Houston, more than 3,121 entities throughout the city were involved in international business and 462 had representation offices abroad, the majority of these in Latin America. 34% of trade between Houston and the rest of the World in 2008, was wth countries from Latin America, such as México, Venezuela, Brasil, Colombia, among others.

The Americas region is still considered as the region with the greatest development potential in the world arena; such statements are supported by the recent growth and resilience of economies such as the Brazilian, Peruvian and Colombian economies. And most other Latin American countries are experience development and growth levels unseen in recent years. It is an opportunity for Texas to become a gateway to Latin America.