March 31, 2023

Column

Alice Ancona: International trade essential to Florida's economy

As Congress and President Donald Trump’s administration consider the future of trade, the Florida Chamber of Commerce encourages leaders to consider the important role trade plays in Florida’s economy.

From its discovery, Florida has been global. Much of what made Florida a destination and gateway in Florida’s early years, still holds true today. Florida’s current and future economy is tied to its ability to be a successful hub for international trade investment.

Florida’s geography, diversity and international linkages, combined with our state-of-the-art infrastructure, trade support networks, knowledge-based innovation ecosystem and highly skilled workforce, are assets that make Florida ripe for trade.

Today, if Florida were a country, it would be the 16th largest in the world by gross domestic product. Free and fair trade is essential to Florida’s global competitiveness, and policies that enhance competition in the global marketplace, reduce or eliminate trade and investment barriers will further grow Florida jobs.

In the coming days, a delegation of members from the Florida Chamber of Commerce will travel to Washington, D.C. to encourage Florida’s Congressional Delegation to support Florida job creators, and to work to ensure that trade continues to benefit the U.S. and Floridians.

With one out of four jobs in Florida tied to international trade, these will be important conversations and go a long way to helping secure Florida’s future.


Alice Ancona serves as Director of International Strategy & Policy for the Florida Chamber International Trade and Investment Office.

Tags: International Trade

Florida Business News

Florida News Releases

Florida Trend Video Pick

Lakeland partners with NuCycle Energy to turn waste into energy
Lakeland partners with NuCycle Energy to turn waste into energy

The City of Lakeland is reducing its reliance on landfills by turning waste into energy. The City is working to become more sustainable by teaming up with NuCycle Energy. The partnership allows businesses to bring their waste to NuCycle Energy’s facility, where it will be turned into an energy fuel product, that replaces fossil fuels.

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

Ballot Box

Should algal blooms be included in Florida's list of environmental crises (hurricanes, tornadoes) covered by federal disaster relief funds?

  • Yes
  • No
  • Unsure
  • Other (Please share your comments in the comment section below)

See Results

Florida Trend Media Company
490 1st Ave S
St Petersburg, FL 33701
727.821.5800

© Copyright 2023 Trend Magazines Inc. All rights reserved.