Said ITC Chair, Commissioner Natacha Seijas, who will lead the mission: "The objectives of the mission are to explore ways to increase bilateral trade between countries in Europe and the Middle East and Miami-Dade County, as well as, to promote Miami as the 'Gateway of the Americas' and a platform for international trade."

At a recent briefing of the World Bank's report, Doing Business for 2008, Dr. Simeon Djankov, Chief Economist of the World Bank highlighted: "This year Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union surpassed East Asia in the ease of doing business". According to the report, the Czech Republic has 13 registered businesses per 100 people, and Poland has 12. "As in previous years, Eastern European Countries dominate the list of top reformers in 2006/2007", added the report.

Tony Ojeda, Executive Director of the ITC, said: "We are delighted to continue to set the pace with our groundbreaking missions to the most thriving emerging economies as we carry the Miami-Dade flag to brand our county as a Global Gateway. Last year's missions to South Africa and India proved we are on the cutting edge of selecting the right countries at the right time."

For registration and more information on the mission to Eastern Europe and Turkey please go to www.miamidade.gov/itc. For more information on any of those or other activities of the Jay Malina International Trade Consortium, please call Roberto Fabricio at (305) 375-4695 or email him at robfab@miamidade.gov.