Governor Ron DeSantis continued his international trade mission today, leading a delegation of Florida business leaders on Day 4 of the visit to Italy. The focus was on expanding economic opportunities, with key engagements in Northern Italy, including seminars and site visits aimed at attracting investment to Florida.
Boosting Business in Life Sciences and Healthcare
In Turin, Governor DeSantis addressed Italian startups and business leaders at the SelectFlorida Business Seminar, highlighting Florida as a prime destination for business expansion. The audience included representatives from healthcare and life science industries, showcasing the state’s commitment to fostering innovation.
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Earlier this week, AHCA Secretary Jason Weida led a delegation of Florida-based hospitals and medical companies to the 2024 MEDICA Trade Fair in Düsseldorf, Germany. Today, the Florida healthcare delegation joined the Italian trade mission to explore new business opportunities in the healthcare and life sciences sectors.
“As a result of today, we’re bringing more business opportunities, jobs, workforce training programs, and apprenticeships to the state of Florida,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We want Florida to be the destination state for opportunity, employment, and innovative services.”
First Lady Casey DeSantis Champions Cancer Collaboration
In Milan, First Lady Casey DeSantis, a strong advocate for cancer research through Florida Cancer Connect, visited the European Institute of Oncology. Accompanied by representatives from HCA Healthcare, Tampa General Hospital, and Mount Sinai, the First Lady facilitated discussions on sharing research, technologies, and best practices in cancer treatment.
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In Milan, First Lady Casey DeSantis—who has championed Florida Cancer Connect and the Cancer Connect Collaborative—joined representatives from major Florida healthcare institutions—HCA Healthcare, Tampa General Hospital, and Mount Sinai—for a visit to the European Institute of Oncology. The visit built relationships between the institutions present and encouraged the future sharing of technologies, treatments, and practices for treating cancer.
JAXPORT and MSC Partnership to Boost Trade
Governor DeSantis and Florida leaders, including representatives from JAXPORT, met with MSC—the world’s largest shipping line—in Milan. MSC expressed interest in launching a direct shipping service connecting Italy, the Mediterranean, and Jacksonville. This new Mediterranean-JAX service will feature Cosentino, a leading Spanish company, which plans to open its first North American manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, supported by FloridaCommerce and a Governor’s Job Growth Grant Fund.
“With Florida seaports serving as key gateways to international markets and over 114 million tons of cargo handled at Florida’s seaports each year, FDOT is thrilled for the opportunity to be a part of this trade mission as our seaports look to further expand and develop markets throughout the world,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “FDOT appreciates the leadership and opportunity from Governor DeSantis, Florida Commerce, and SelectFlorida to help show Florida seaports are open for business.”
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Engagements with Leading Italian Companies
Governor DeSantis also visited MAPEI, a leader in construction products, and Pininfarina, a renowned design firm. The meetings underscored Florida’s appeal as a hub for international business expansion and explored potential workforce training programs and apprenticeships that could benefit Floridians.
The Italian trade mission continues to solidify Florida’s position as a key player in global business, emphasizing job creation, economic growth, and international partnerships.
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