The Hispanic Chamber hosted Houston-based trade representatives of Mexico, Brazil and Colombia. Much of the discussion showcased the region’s rapid growth and investment opportunities. More than any one country, though, the event aimed to sell its audience on the idea of trade itself.

Paul Bitner is chair of the Hispanic Chamber’s International Committee.

“We have a unique opportunity, because we are a city that is 50% Hispanic. We have language capabilities, cultural capabilities, and there’s no reason in the world we shouldn’t be the gateway to Latin America.”

Bitner says Houston has an uphill climb to take that title away from Miami. Apart from Miami’s edge as a tourist destination, Bitner credits the city with running a much more focused effort than Houston to attract Latin American trade.