August 16th, 2013, Shanghai --- Houston Deputy Mayor Andy Icken and Greater Houston Partnership Chairman and CEO Bob Harvey，leading an 18-person trade and investment delegation, visited Hilong on July 26. Hilong President Zhang Jun and Executive President Wang Tao met with the delegation and discussed details of Hilong's business development in the Houston area.

Houston has been called the “Energy Capital of the World”. In September of 2008, Hilong registered and established Hilong USA LLC in Houston, with the primary goal of promoting and selling various specifications of drilling tools, coatings and hardbanding products. Based on the strong quality, delivery, and technical service strengths of the parent company Hilong Group, Hilong USA has developed into an important drilling product supplier for the Houston area, with service areas extending to all areas of North America, Mexico and South America. The Houston delegation visited the Hilong headquarters in Shanghai while taking part in the opening ceremony of Air China’s first direct flights between Beijing and Houston.
 
President Zhang Jun expressed his warm welcome to the delegation, stating that he hoped everyone could become better acquainted with Hilong through the visit, and this would encourage oil equipment and oilfield service cooperation and dialogue between Hilong and the city of Houston.
      
Deputy Mayor Icken said: “Hilong’s investments in Houston have not only encouraged local economic development, but have also improved employment rates. This is a win-win cooperation that has also provided Hilong with a broader platform for development and a brighter future.” According to Icken, Houston will continue to provide Hilong and other enterprises with support and assistance in the realms of land, funding, trade, exhibitions, and business events.
 
Chairman Harvey likewise stated that Hilong will continue to receive economic and labor support for its growth in Houston, also inviting President Zhang Jun to become a member of the Greater Houston Partnership as another step to promote mutual development.
 
The delegation also toured the Shanghai Hilong Drill Pipe factory after the meeting.