From Monday, November 11, to Friday, November 15, Governor Ron DeSantis will lead an international trade and business mission to Italy. The delegation will travel to key Italian cities, including Rome, Viareggio, Florence, Turin, and Milan.
The group will consist of 85 representatives from diverse Florida industries, such as higher education, transportation, aerospace, defense, healthcare, life sciences, and manufacturing. The primary goal of the mission is to boost economic opportunities, as Italy ranks among Florida’s top 20 trade partners, contributing $4.4 billion in annual bilateral trade.
READ: Florida Voters Approve Hunting, Fishing Rights Amendment With Strong Statewide Support
“Italy and Florida share a special relationship as peninsular entities with many shared industries, and I was grateful that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni invited our Florida delegation to visit,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This mission will strengthen ties between our state and their nation and bring new and increased opportunities and investments to Florida.”
FloridaCommerce Secretary Alex Kelly highlighted the significance of the trip: “Governor DeSantis’ upcoming trade mission to Italy will help build political and economic ties that benefit Florida. With Italy being Florida’s 14th largest trade partner, there are abundant opportunities for collaboration, particularly in aerospace, defense, marine, life sciences, and health technology.”
READ: Florida Man Wins $2 Million On Lottery Scratch-Off After Circle K Stop
Notable members of the delegation include key agency leaders and university presidents, such as FloridaCommerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly, Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long, Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue, Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Jason Weida, and Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd. University representatives include President Richard McCullough of Florida State University, President Richard Corcoran of New College of Florida, President Rhea Law of the University of South Florida, and delegates from the University of Central Florida, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida International University, and Florida Polytechnic University.
The trade mission is organized by SelectFlorida, in partnership with FloridaCommerce, to enhance international business relationships and promote economic growth.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.