Houston Mayor Parker led trade delegation to Asia

SEOUL, South Korea (KTRK) -- When Mayor Annise Parker decided to lead the trade delegation to Asia, one of the things that the Korean American community in Houston wanted her to do was to wear a traditional Korean dress at the opening reception.

Monday evening the Mayor did just that. She wore a traditional Korean dress called the hanbok. It was designed by a Korean-American designer whose family has made these traditional dresses for four generations. It was another way to show respect to the host country of Korea and a link between Houston and Seoul.

The mayor and members of the Houston delegation mingled with groups of Korean businessman at a reception commemorating the direct flight by Korean Airlines that started from Houston earlier this year.

Over the next few days, will be up to the mayor and members of the delegation, which includes prominent leaders in Houston's business community, to sell the city. The idea is to encourage more Korean companies to invest in Houston.

The Greater Houston Partnership has pointed out that the city's robust economy and diverse workforce offers an accommodating and welcoming atmosphere for any business who try to locate in Houston.