SHENZHEN, China— Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and officials of CIMC-TianDa, a China-based firm, have signed a memorandum of understanding under which the company could develop a base of operations for manufacturing in Houston.

The signing took place on the first stop of a Houston trade mission led by Mayor Turner and business leaders. China is the second largest international trading partner with Houston. The mission was organized by the Greater Houston Partnership.

CIMC-TianDa, which specializes in airport and seaport equipment design, development, manufacturing and maintenance, is seeking a facility from which to support operations in the Western Hemisphere.

The memorandum of understanding calls for real estate lease or purchase options at or near George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The nonbinding memorandum outlines the basis for further negotiation. Any agreement on a lease or purchase of property owned by the Houston Airport System requires the approval of City Council.

“Houston and our airport system have the infrastructure to accommodate CIMA-TianDa as it seeks a platform to compete for business across the Americas,” said Mayor Turner. “Our air cargo facilities, combined with our port system, provide the logistics infrastructure to support the development, manufacturing and transport of large-scale equipment wherever world-markets take them. We believe the jobs this business would create represent a good growth opportunity for Houston.”

CIMA-TianDa says the business would provide as many as 80 new jobs in the Houston area.

“The Houston Airport system has experienced phenomenal development in all phases of international travel and commerce,” said HAS Director Mario Diaz. “This negotiation provides an opportunity to add to the commercial base that will support Houston’s projected future growth.”