ICYMI: Enterprise Florida Kicks Off Export Sales Mission to Panama Alongside FDOT, Florida Seaports

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Yesterday, Enterprise Florida (EFI) kicked off its export sales mission to Panama City, Panama, which is set to last through September 15. Enterprise Florida is leading a delegation consisting of Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E., representatives from five Florida seaports, and 20 Florida companies and community partners.

“Enterprise Florida is proud to lead such a robust delegation of Florida companies and leaders to Panama,” said Enterprise Florida Deputy Secretary of Commerce Laura DiBella. “These missions provide unparalleled opportunities for Florida companies to showcase their goods and services to the world and allow Florida leaders to continue to strengthen relationships with our international trading partners. We look forward to a productive mission and are honored to support initiatives that highlight Florida’s companies on a global stage.”

The export sales mission to Panama is a three-day trip that will include one-on-one meetings between Florida companies and potential Panamanian representatives and distributors. Additionally, a parallel agenda focused on technology, innovation, and transportation will be offered to delegates. 

“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ leadership and historic infrastructure funding in the 2022-2023 Freedom First Budget, the Florida Department of Transportation is making strategic investments in our transportation network, particularly in our seaports,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “As Florida moves forward with increasing capacity at our facilities, our economic output will continue to outpace other states and the nation will feel the relief from supply chain disruption. Florida’s seaports are the gateway for the delivery of goods to and from the United States and our investments will increase the number of ships able to traverse our ports, increase access for larger vessels, and create a more seamless transfer of goods to our network of rail and roads to get goods to consumers faster. We look forward to deepening our relationship with our trading partners in Panama and all over the world, as well as showcasing how our infrastructure enhancements continue to benefit Floridians.”

 The Florida delegation will consist of:

• Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E.
• JAXPORT
• Port Everglades
• PortMiami
• Port Tampa Bay
• SeaPort Manatee
• Pinellas County Economic Development
• Tampa Bay Economic Development Council
• Global Tampa Bay
• Bkcllc Consulting
• 3 Daughters Brewing
• Beutlich Pharmaceuticals, LLC
• Brew Bus Brewing Inc.
• CaviDyne, LLC
• Cunsa
• Excite Medical
• Flymotion
• Gates Defense
• Yo Mama's Foods
• New Century International
• Newyon, LLC
• Organic Farms Vitamins
• Pole Star Defense
• Royal Snacks, Inc.
• Sanitation Products of America
• Seaspension

“Panama, like Florida, is a gateway to the world,” said TJ Villamil, SVP of International Trade & Development at Enterprise Florida, Inc. “As Florida continues to thrive under our Governor’s leadership, it is critical we share the story of Florida’s economic growth with partner countries abroad. Bringing Florida companies and Florida leadership to Panama will strengthen ties and produce positive economic outcomes for the Sunshine State for years to come.”

The United States is Panama’s strongest trading partner. In 2021, Florida accounted for 14% of the $8.3 billion worth of U.S. exports to Panama. Panama also ranked as Florida’s 13^th largest total trade partner among Latin American and Caribbean countries in 2021.

EFI maintains an extensive schedule of trade missions and exhibitions worldwide. Last year, merchandise trade valued at $164 billion flowed through Florida’s seaports and airports with Florida-origin exports reaching $55 billion, and Florida exported goods to more than 200 countries, making the state one of the world’s leaders in international trade.