A regional delegation of 30 business and government leaders strengthened ties with Canadian businesses and leaders over a four-day trip
Tampa, Fla. (September 30, 2024) – A regional delegation of more than 30 leaders, including five elected officials and three companies from the Tampa Bay area, recently traveled to Vancouver, British Columbia for an international business mission organized by Global Tampa Bay.
During the four-day trip, the local companies in attendance conducted one-on-one matchmaking meetings with potential clients arranged through the U.S. Commercial Service Gold Key program. Canada and the United States have seen a boom in cross-border trade since the enactment of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994, now renamed the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). Canadian imports from Florida were $5.3 billion in 2022, making it Florida’s second largest export market. Furthermore, Canadian imports from Florida have grown by 46.9% over the past five years, and today Canada ranks second, only behind Brazil as the world’s largest market for goods “made in Florida.” Canada is the destination for 7.8% of all Florida-origin exports.
“Canada is an important partner to the U.S., Florida and our Tampa Bay area,” said Joe Lopano, CEO of Tampa International Airport and chair of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council. “Not only is Canada one of Florida’s largest trade partners, but Canada is also the second largest source of foreign direct investment into our state, accounting for 17% of all foreign direct investment and 62,500 jobs. Our trip to Vancouver was incredibly productive and we were able to strengthen ties with important business and government leaders during the trip, which I’m confident will lead to future opportunities.”
Several Tampa Bay area elected officials took part in the trip, including Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, Pinellas County Commissioner Kathleen Peters, as well as Sylvia Cesaratto, the Canadian Consul General in Miami. A highlight of the trip was when the delegation met with Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim where the elected officials swapped ideas about our region and discussed the issues all parties face.
“I am excited about the potential for new partnerships that will benefit both our communities and the economy in Pasco County,” said Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, Vice Chair of the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners. “This trip not only allowed us to forge valuable connections but also to exchange insights on best practices that can enhance our local industries.”
During the trip, the delegation was also able to learn about some of the innovation happening at Vancouver institutions. A visit to KPMG’s Ignition Centre was a learning opportunity to see the Vancouver International Airport’s Digital Twin Project used to run operations at the airport. A tour of the University of British Columbia’s Quantum Matter Institute provided insight into the importance of quantum computing and artificial intelligence. The delegation then learned about preventable spreading of infectious diseases during a tour of the Immuno-Engineering department and laboratory.
“Pinellas County’s recent trade mission to Vancouver with the Global Tampa Bay delegation was a tremendous success,” said Commissioner Kathleen Peters, chair of the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners. “We concentrated on strengthening bilateral relations with business and government leaders as a strategic move to enhance our county and region’s global presence and innovation attractiveness. By fostering strategic partnerships, exploring innovation, and identifying export opportunities, we are positioning our region as a key destination for foreign direct investment.”
International missions like this one are programs for Tampa Bay-based companies that want to explore and pursue export opportunities by meeting directly with potential clients in foreign markets. They also serve to deepen connections and form strategic partnerships with business and government leaders, which can lead to more foreign direct investment.
About Global Tampa Bay
Global Tampa Bay is a regional collaboration between the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, Pinellas County Economic Development and the Pasco Economic Development Council to increase international business opportunities for companies within the region and to market the region globally as a top business destination. Our mission is to recruit international companies seeking a prime business location in the US and increase international trade opportunities for local companies therefore fostering increased expansion of our economy. At Global Tampa Bay, we proudly work together with our regional economic partners such as the Tampa International Airport and Port Tampa Bay as well as various federal, state, and local entities to deliver an integrated international strategy. www.GlobalTampaBay.com.
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