COSTEP and Rio South Texas Region Strengthen International Connections at the 2026 Transatlantic Business & Investment Conference

COSTEP and the Rio South Texas Region are participating in the 2026 Transatlantic Business & Investment Conference, an event bringing together foreign direct investment experts, business leaders, economic development professionals, and organizations from both sides of the Atlantic in Houston.

The conference’s first day began at Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District with a networking breakfast, providing an early opportunity to build relationships with stakeholders interested in investment, business partnerships, and new avenues for growth between Europe and the United States.

The official opening was led by Matthias Beier, President of the Transatlantic Business & Investment Council (TBIC). Welcoming remarks were also delivered by Consul General Kai Hennig of the German Consulate in Houston and David Jallow, Deputy Head of Mission at the Consulate General of Sweden in Houston.

During the opening session, Enrique Martínez García, Assistant Vice President at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, presented an economic overview and discussed the trends influencing business and investment decisions.

The program continued with a kick-off presentation by Robert Hess, Vice Chairman of Global Strategy Consulting at Newmark. At 9:45 a.m., he moderated an expert panel focused on foreign direct investment, transatlantic relations, and the global economy.

The panel brought together representatives from FT Locations, the European-American Chamber of Commerce–Texas, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, and RGP Northwest Ohio to examine how macroeconomic changes, geopolitical tensions, and evolving corporate priorities are reshaping international investment.

COSTEP and RSTR’s presence at this event reflects an ongoing commitment to positioning Rio South Texas as a region ready to compete, collaborate, and connect with international businesses and investors.

Participating in these conversations from the start provides valuable insight into the trends shaping the future of transatlantic investment while creating opportunities to highlight our region’s strengths and potential for business growth.