In 1956,President Dwight D.Eisenhower proposed linking American cities with cities in other countries to exchange ideas and cultures.

Today,Houston has 17 “sister cities,” including Aberdeen,Scotland;Baku,Azerbaijan;and Leipzig,Germany.These relationships are intended to foster cultural,educational and economic ties.

Building on the precedent set by sister cities,Houston’s Southwest Management District has now established its first-ever “sister district” relationship.

Kenneth Li,chairman of the Southwest Management District and founder/president of Southwest Realty Group,a full-service real estate firm in Houston,believes this is the first “sister district” relationship for Houston and also in the United States.

The Southwest District’s sister district is the Taichung Xitun District in Taiwan,formalized during a trip to Taiwan in October 2025.

While in Taiwan for a business conference,Li arranged a meeting with representatives from Taichung Xitun District.At this meeting,both districts signed a proclamation establishing their sister district relationship.

“The ultimate goal is to promote our district,bring more business,and provide an opportunity for international and cultural exchange between the districts,” Li said.

With all the cultures represented in the Southwest District,Li considers this partnership a “pilot program.” Partnerships with other districts in other countries could very well be in the future.

Why start with Taiwan?Simple,Li said:“Because I’m from Taiwan.”

Shared characteristics also make this partnership promising for both communities.

Both districts are vibrant economic hubs.

Xitun District is Taichung’s major commercial and technological center and has a thriving business sector.The Southwest Management District,anchored by Houston’s Chinatown,is a key commercial and cultural center in Houston.

Each district blends diverse cultures,with Xitun embracing both tradition and modernity.Meanwhile,the Southwest District is known for its multiculturalism.

Both districts are committed to urban development and innovation.Xitun District is known for its modern infrastructure and urban planning,while the Southwest Management District focuses on improving infrastructure,public safety and community services.

A sister-district relationship would facilitate academic partnerships,student exchanges and collaborative research initiatives.

Houston’s Medical Center gets a lot of attention,but the Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital in the Southwest District could also serve as a source of collaboration,Li said.

In addition,Li envisions collaborations between the Alief school district and schools in Taiwan,as well as partnerships with Houston Christian University,located in the Southwest District,and Tunghai University and Feng Chia University,both located in the Xitun District.

“I look forward to strengthening the relationship between Xitun,Nantun,and the Southwest Management District,” Sean Liao,legislator for Taichung’s 4th Constituency District—which includes Xitun,wrote in a recent letter to Li.

This partnership not only creates new connections between the two districts but also builds a foundation for broader collaboration and growth between Taichung City and Houston,Liao said,with promising opportunities on the horizon for both vibrant communities.

— Dorothy Puch Lillig