Commissioner Bruno A. Barreiro to lead business development mission to Colombia
(MIAMI, March 13, 2012) – Commissioner Bruno A. Barreiro, Chairman of the International Trade Advisory Board (ITAB) will lead a business development mission to Bogota, Colombia May 21st-24th, 2012. The Economic Development and International Trade unit of the Sustainability, Planning and Economic Enhancement (SPEE) Department of Miami-Dade County is organizing the mission with the support of the Colombian American Chamber of Commerce, AMCHAM Colombia, the Consulate General of Colombia in Miami, and ProExport Colombia in Miami.
The objective of the mission is to further strengthen bilateral trade between Colombia and Miami-Dade County in light of the recently ratified U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) which will create new economic development opportunities for both countries. Over eighty percent (80%) of U.S. exports of Consumer and Industrial products to Colombia will become duty free. The TPA will also provide immediate duty-free access to key Florida export sectors such as: agriculture and construction equipment, aircraft and parts, auto parts, fertilizers and agro-chemicals, IT equipment, and medical and scientific equipment. In addition, the TPA will provide access to Colombia’s $166 billion service market. Colombia is South Florida’s 2nd largest trading partner with total bilateral trade volume of $8.2 billion (2011). Miami’s trade surplus with Colombia has exceeded $1 billion for five years running.
Total estimated cost to participate in the mission is $1,947 and includes airfare, hotel, registration fee, business-to-business meetings, and ground transportation. The mission sectors include IT, medical equipment, security & safety, building equipment, and financial and professional services. Miami-Dade companies participating in the mission will gain market information and will also have the opportunity to make business and industry contacts through pre-arranged business-to-business meetings with companies in Colombia. Participants will also attend briefings by U.S. embassy officials and will participate in networking events that will allow them to speak with local businesses and industry decision-makers. The deadline to register is April 16th, 2012. Only Miami-Dade companies are eligible to participate. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
The U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) will provide tremendous opportunities for Miami-Dade businesses. “As an international trade center, Miami-Dade County stands to benefit a great deal from the TPA as our ability to create jobs here at home is intrinsically connected to our ability to increase our exports to key countries like Colombia that are so vital to our local economy,” Commissioner Barreiro said.
For registration information and details visit http://www.miamidade.gov/oedit/news.asp or contact: Trade Development Specialist, Maria Dreyfus-Ulvert at (305) 375-3885 or [email protected]
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