EVENT SOLD OUT! REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.

NO WALK-UPS ALLOWED

Dialogue with Leaders

Presented by the World Chamber of Commerce

📅 Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
🕔 Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

📍 Location:
Legacy Room, Houston City Hall
900 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002

🎟️ Ticket Price: $20 This event is FREE!
🔒 RSVP Required – No walk-ins allowed

Schedule of Events

5:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Registration & Networking Reception
Light refreshments.

6:00 PM – Opening Remarks
Welcome Address
Maryum Khan, President, World Chamber of Commerce Texas
Introduction of the Executive Board and Chairman

6:05 PM – 6:45 PM
Panel Discussion: Foreign Direct Investment
Panel Moderator: 

Gigi Lee, Chief of International Affairs – Office of the Mayor

Speakers

Jeffrey H.D. Blair, Senior Director, Europe, Middle East & Africa – Greater Houston Partnership

Charles C. Foster, Chairman, Foster LLP | Vice Chair, George H. W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations

Betty Russo, PCED, Gulf Coast/East Texas Regional Representative – Office of the Governor, State of Texas

Jason Wilson, Director – U.S. Commercial Service Houston

6:45 PM – 7:30 PM
Recognition Ceremony
Group Photos
Celebration & Closing

PRESS RELEASE

World Chamber of Commerce – Tx Presents

“Dialogue with Leaders: Foreign Direct Investment”

September 23, 2025 – Houston City Hall

Houston, TX – The World Chamber of Commerce Texas (WCCTx) proudly announces the next installment in its prestigious Dialogue with Leaders series, focusing on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The event will take place on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM in the Legacy Room at Houston City Hall, located at 900 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002.

With the United States seeing trillions in global capital investments, and Houston emerging as a prime destination for cross-border partnerships, this forum will explore how international investment is reshaping our region’s economy. The event is part of WCCT’s continuing effort to connect global leaders with local impact.

Event Details

Event: Dialogue with Leaders – Foreign Direct Investment

Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Location: Legacy Room, Houston City Hall

Address: 900 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002

Admission: FREE (RSVP Required – No Walk-Ins)

Light refreshments and drinks will be provided.

Register Here: https://wcct.org/092325

About the Event

The event will gather leaders from international consulates, bilateral chambers, and global businesses alongside Houston-based investors, civic leaders, and entrepreneurs. The evening will include keynote insights, a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Gigi Lee (Chief of International Affairs, Office of the Mayor), and valuable networking opportunities. As Houston continues to position itself as a global hub for trade and investment, this dialogue will explore both the opportunities and challenges that define the future of foreign direct investment in the region.

Speakers

Jeffrey H.D. Blair, Senior Director, Europe, Middle East & Africa – Greater Houston Partnership

Charles C. Foster, Chairman, Foster LLP | Vice Chair, George H. W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations

Betty Russo, PCED, Gulf Coast/East Texas Regional Representative – Office of the Governor, State of Texas

Jason Wilson, Director – U.S. Commercial Service Houston

Moderator:

Gigi Lee, Chief of International Affairs – Office of the Mayor

About the Organizer

World Chamber of Commerce – Texas (WCCTx):

WCCTx connects global and local communities through partnerships that drive business, diplomacy, and economic opportunity. Based in Houston—one of the world’s most diverse cities—WCCTx hosts events, forums, and initiatives that empower civic and international leaders and promote meaningful dialogue between the public and private sectors.

• Chairman:  Willy Verbrugghe 
• Co Chair:  Rick Celik 
• President: Maryum Khan 
• Secretary: Shenila Naseem 
• Membership:   Kham Sengvong 
• Marketing:   Joshua C. Mares 
• Legal:         Blanca Arbour 

Media & Sponsors

Media Partner: Lebanon Times

Press Sponsor: Informitron

Sponsorship Opportunities Available! Contact us for Details.

Acknowledgement

WCCTx thanks the City of Houston and the Office of the Mayor for their continued support and for hosting the event in the Legacy Room at City Hall. This collaboration reflects Houston’s ongoing commitment to civic engagement, economic development, and international leadership.

Event/Sponsorship Contact:

Maryum Khan, President
World Chamber of Commerce – Texas
presidentwcct@gmail.com
+1 (972) 955-8898
wcct.org