During a trade mission to Brazil, Mayor Annise Parker signed an agreement with her counterpart in São Paulo to swap information, promote joint events and increase exchanges between governments, schools, arts groups and scientific organizations in the two cities.

The release sent out by the mayor’s press secretary doesn’t contain examples of how this might work in practice. The memorandum of understanding that Parker and Sao Paulo Mayor Gilberto Kassab signed today initiates ”cooperation between both cities to develop productive relations in different fields of mutual interest,” according to the press release.

Parker is quoted as saying: The hearts of Houston and São Paulo beat at the same pace. We share many similarities, since both cities are important economic drivers for their respective countries and we are geographically located near an ocean, although not on the coast. I look forward to sharing knowledge and experience to help improve the quality of life and business relations between our cities.

The agreement states both cities will:

• exchange information and experiences in healthcare services, economy, urban planning, housing, transportation, education, environment, security, sports and tourism
• promote the establishment and intensification of economic and commercial relations
• stimulate scientific technological and technical exchange, observing Brazilian and US legislation
• stimulate exchange between city officials, enterprises, educational and scientific institutions, youth organizations, artistic groups, sport and tourism of the two cities
• promote the development of joint events and programs related to the industries and areas of cooperation listed above

The trade visit is organized by the Greater Houston Partnership with the aim of expanding business opportunities for Houston companies in Brazil and for Brazilian investment in Houston. The delegation is also scheduled to visit Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

This is Parker’s second trade mission as mayor. Her first was to China.