The objective of the Western Hemisphere Trade Initiatives, that is consistent with the ITC's overall strategic plan for international trade programs, is to develop and expand trade and cultural linkages with The Americas thereby strengthening Miami-Dade County's role as a global gateway community.

Miami-Dade is known as the "Gateway of the Americas," given its strategic geographic position, multilingual workforce, cultural diversity, and strong trade ties with countries in this hemisphere. Please refer to the relevant information about this region provided below.

Western Hemisphere Trade Partners at a Glance 

Top Western Hemisphere Trade Partners

The Western Hemisphere Trade Initiatives ad-hoc committee's mandate is to recommend to the ITC Board of Directors programs and projects that will improve and enhance trade, economic and cultural relations between Miami-Dade County, and The Americas.

Members of the Western Hemisphere Trade Initiatives ad-hoc committee provide maximum input and participate in the planning and selection of which countries are best suited to either develop or expand trade opportunities between Miami-Dade County, and The Americas. The committee then recommends to the ITC Board of Directors which country(s) should be targeted in any one mission during the fiscal year.

During the 2007-2008 fiscal year, the committee recommended taking a business development mission to the Peru and Chile. The mission to Lima and Santiago will be held from September 21st- 27th, 2008. Please refer to the End of Mission Report: Peru and Chile provided below.

Latin American Geographic Region County Assessments 

Selected Western Hemisphere Countries Profile Report

End of Mission Report: Peru and Chile