The Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) Houston hosted an 80-member delegation from the China Real Estate Association (CREA) at the America-China Real Estate Summit. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner proclaimed April 6, 2018, AREAA Houston and CREA Day to commemorate this visit from China. Attendees engaged in discussions concerning the economic and development opportunities between China and Texas and networked to strengthen future commercial partnerships. The Texas REALTORS® was proud to support this event and to promote the unparalleled value of our commercial members.

Congressman Al Green kicked off the summit, presenting Zhifeng Liu, president of CREA, with an American flag and encouraging the two countries to move forward together. Mayor Turner, who led a Houston delegation to China last year, highlighted the investment opportunities Houston has to offer. Representatives from China agreed that the countries must collaborate and focused on the growth of the Texas economy as a sign of a golden era.

Speakers throughout the day reinforced the value of investing in each country. Bob Harvey from the Greater Houston Partnership shared details of two Chinese-backed commercial projects in Houston and emphasized Houston’s push towards natural gas. Robert Eckels with Texas Central discussed the progress of the Texas high-speed rail. Harris County Judge Ed Emmett talked about Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts and assured investors that Houston is “ready and capable.”

Liu provided a summary of the urbanization efforts in China. He highlighted China’s plan to relax agricultural settlement regulations, provide public benefits for those looking to move to the urban core, and revitalize distressed properties into productive facilities. 

Attendees left the summit with stronger commercial relationships and new connections.