Global Trader Newsletter | April 2022 | | |
Miami-Dade County signs Sister Cities International agreement with Curitiba, Brazil | |
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April 6 — It's official! Miami-Dade County and Curitiba, Brazil are now Sister Cities! The Miami-Dade County Office of International Trade Consortium coordinated a virtual signing ceremony for the Sister Cities agreement between Miami-Dade County, FL and Curitiba, Brazil. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Chairman Jose "Pepe" Diaz, and Senator Javier D. Souto signed the agreement on behalf of Miami-Dade County, and Mayor Rafael Greca signed on behalf of the city of Curitiba.
Brazil is Miami-Dade County's #1 Top Trading Partner sharing a total trade value of over $16 billion in FY2021 (US Census). Curitiba, located in Parana State, Brazil, has implemented several innovative systems to create jobs, improve public transportation accessibility, promote housing development, and improve waste management. The city has integrated a "radial linear-branching pattern" to protect density by diverting traffic from the city center and protect green areas by encouraging industrial development along radial axes. Curitiba has initiated a Bus Rapid Transit System and established the Curitiba Industrial City (CIC) on the city's west side which has strict environmental regulations and does not allow "polluting" industries (UN Nations).
"As our top trading partner, this agreement solidifies our thriving economic partnership. Special thank you to Senator Javier Souto for this initiative," said Chairman Diaz.
As a result, Mayor Levine Cava and Chairman Diaz extended an official invitation to Mayor Greca to visit Miami-Dade County, and Mayor Greca extended an official invitation to the Miami-Dade County to visit Curitiba, Brazil.
We look forward to supporting cooperative programs between Miami-Dade and Curitiba in tourism, trade, innovation, culture, and economic opportunities, as well as the exchange of best practices on smart cities, urban planning, mobility, and sustainable development.
In addition, we thank all those involved in this ceremony including Ambassador Andre Odenbreit and Cristiano France Berbert, Consulate General of Brazil in Miami; ITC Board Members: Joe Chi, Drew McKinney, Lynare Robbins, Daniel Jacobson, Brenda Betancourt, Alejandra Collarte; Mary Arnaud and Mauricio Gomm, Brazilian-American Chamber.
To see an archived video of the virtual signing ceremony, please click here.
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Chairman Diaz welcomes Speaker of the Senate of the Republic of Poland | |
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February 11 — Chairman Jose “Pepe” Diaz met with an inbound delegation, led by the Hon. Tomasz Grodzki, Speaker of the Senate of the Republic of Poland. The delegation included four senators and aides. The purpose of this visit was to meet with Mayor Levine Cava and Chairman Diaz to set the ground for the visit of the Polish President in April 2022, and to explore the possibility of opening a trade office in the County and liaise with the Polish Diaspora.
We look forward to strengthening trade and investment ties between both regions, and the possibility of welcoming President Andrzej Duda to Miami-Dade County in the future.
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Chairman Diaz promotes the Global Gateway at ProColombia's 2022 kick-off event
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February 14 — We joined Chairman Jose "Pepe" Diaz at ProColombia's "Colombia - EE.UU Kick Off 2022 Imaginemos Los Proximos 30 Años" event to welcome guests to Miami-Dade County. This two-day event brought together key leaders to align all sectors with the strategy for 2022. Guests included high-level officials and executives of the ProColombia U.S. office.
Interim Director Maria Dreyfus-Ulvert was invited to participate in the program's Day 2 panel discussion to speak about the County as a global trade hub. The panel discussed the opportunities to continue positioning Colombia in the U.S. and was moderated by Flavia Santoro, President of ProColombia. Other speakers included Heve V. Barnes, Regional Director of Innovation Norway, Maria Lourdes Teran, VP & Head of Miami Office of AS/COA, and Gustavo Pupo-Mayo, Chairman of the Television Association of Programmers Latin America.
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ITC hosts meeting with Secretary of Gender Equality for Buenos Aires, Argentina | |
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February 22 — Our team coordinated a meeting between the County's strategic trade partners and Marisa Bircher, Secretary of Gender Equality for Buenos Aires, Argentina, to discuss opportunities to strengthen the role of women in global trade. Ms. Bircher was Argentina's Secretary of Trade from 2018-2019.
Meeting participants included ITC board member Alejandra Collarte, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce; Pam Fuertes, Miami-Dade College Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses; Ilona Vega, Beacon Council; Evelyn Suero, Organization of Women in International Business (OWIT); Monica Skoko, Miami-Dade County Commission for Women Advisory Board; Maria Dreyfus-Ulvert, ITC Interim Director; Nusly B. Alea, ITC Assistant Director.
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Chairman Diaz meets with Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the U.S. | |
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February 28 — At the request of the Hon. Jacobo Fernandez, Consulate General of the Dominican Republic in Miami, our office coordinated a meeting between Chairman Diaz and a Dominican delegation, led by the Hon. Sonia Guzman, D.R. Ambassador to the United States, and Biviana Riveiro, Executive Director of ProDominicana (Center of Exports and Investments in the D.R.).
During the meeting, Chairman Diaz and Ambassador Guzman discussed opportunities to strengthen commercial and economic ties between the Dominican Republic and Miami-Dade County. The delegation also met with PortMiami and received a tour.
Dominican Republic is Miami-Dade County's third largest trading partner. In addition, Miami-Dade County has a Sister Cities agreement with Santo Domingo Distrito Nacional, and PortMiami has a Sister Seaports agreement with the Dominican Port Authority in Santo Domingo.
We look forward to continue working closely with the Dominican Consulate in Miami and ProDominicana to support nearshoring efforts.
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Vice Chairman Gilbert welcomes Delegation from the EU | |
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March 3 — Interim Director Maria Dreyfus-Ulvert and Global Engagement Officer Sudeshna Chatterjee joined ITC's Vice Chairman Oliver Gilbert along with the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) to welcome Mercedes Garcia Perez, Head of Global Issues and Innovation, and Gzim Ocakoglu, First Counselor on Mobility and Transport, at the Delegation of the European Union to the United States.
Interim Director Maria Dreyfus-Ulvert briefed the delegates on Miami-Dade County as a Global Gateway to international trade as well as the County's strong ties with members of the European Union.
This visit was organized by Christina M. Sleszynska, Executive Director of the European American Chamber of Commerce of Florida. We thank the TPO Team for their support and we look forward to continuing working with EACC Florida.
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Chairman Diaz promotes international trade at Air Cargo Americas 2022 | |
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March 8 — We kicked off this year's Air Cargo Americas conference, hosted by World Center Miami, with Chairman Jose "Pepe" Diaz to welcome program participants and guests, and promote Miami-Dade County as a Global Gateway to international trade. This 3-day event included panel discussions and an exhibition space allowing for exhibitors, sponsors, and guests to network with senior aviation, supply chain, and international business executives from around the world.
Congratulations to Ivan Barrios, President/CEO; Alice Ancona, SVP/COO & ITC Board Member; Virginia Sanchez, Chairwoman of the Board, of World Trade Center Miami, on a succesful event.
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Miami-Dade County wishes Consul General of Japan a happy birthday | |
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March 8 — Chairman Jose "Pepe" Diaz and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava joined Mayor Vince Lago to present a certificate of recognition to Consul General Kazuhiro Nakai, Consulate General of Japan in Miami, in honor of his birthday.
"May the bond between our countries keep growing stronger. Blessings and best wishes to you," Chairman Diaz said in a Twitter post.
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Polish Delegation seeking for business opportunities in Miami-Dade | |
March 9 — During the Air Cargo Americas 2022 conference, Interim Director Maria Dreyfus and Global Engagement Officer Sudeshna Chatterjee met with the Polish delegation that was attending the event and provided them with a briefing on how to do business with Miami-Dade County. We thank Patrick Misiewicz of the Polrydian Group for organizing this meeting and look forward to our follow-up meetings with the delegation. | |
ITC supports Commissioner Cohen Higgins in "Women Who Lead" MDC event | |
March 10 — Interim Director Maria Dreyfus-Ulvert and Global Engagement Officer Sudeshna Chatterjee was proud to join and support Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, Miami-Dade College President Madeline Pumariega, and British Consul General in Miami, Nicolette Brent, at the "Women Who Lead" panel discussion in honor of Women's History Month. This panel discussion was hosted by Miami Dade College in partnership with the British Consulate General in Miami, and was followed by the unveiling of an interactive exhibition highlighting exemplary local women leaders. | |
MSC Cruises breaks ground for new terminal in PortMiami | |
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March 10 — We were proud to join Chairman Jose "Pepe" Diaz along with other elected officials and community members for the groundbreaking of new MSC Cruise Terminal in PortMiami. Cristiano Musillo, Consul General of Italy in Miami, also attended.
We extend our congratulations to newly appointed Seaport Director/CEO, Hydi Webb, which was announced during the groundbreaking ceremony by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
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ITC Interim Director receives recognition during BCC Special Presentation | |
March 15 — Our team was proud to join the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners (BCC) during a Commission meeting for a special presentation, recognizing Miami-Dade County's female directors in honor of Women's History Month. We congratulate all of the County's female leaders, including our very own — Maria Dreyfus-Ulvert! | |
Chairman Diaz meets with Consul General of Paraguay in Miami | |
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March 28 — Interim Director Maria Dreyfus introduced Chairman Jose "Pepe" Diaz to Consul General Justo Apodaca Paredes, Consulate General of Paraguay in Miami, to discuss details on "Artistic & Cultural Festival", an upcoming joint event for the celebration of the 211th Anniversary of the Independence of Paraguay. Consul General Apodaca invited Chairman Diaz to provide welcome remarks during the joint event.
We look forward to continuing to strengthen bonds between Miami-Dade County and Paraguay.
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Scottish Delegation arrives in Miami for first trade mission post-COVID | |
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March 29-30 — Our team was pleased to host a visiting delegation of companies from Scotland, led by InverClyde Chamber of Commerce, that were seeking business opportunities and strategic partners in Miami-Dade County. We joined Chairman Jose "Pepe" Diaz on Tuesday evening for a welcome reception, hosted by World Trade Center Miami and Inverclyde Chamber.
"As the first Scottish delegation after COVID, you came to the best... We are open for business in Miami-Dade County!" Chairman Diaz said during his welcome remarks.
The Scottish delegation received an overview of the local business environment during a briefing session the following morning at the Main Library in Downtown Miami. The session was organized by our office and included briefings presented by Maria Dreyfus, ITC; Ilona Vega Jaramillo, Beacon Council; Carlos Guerra, Enterprise Florida and ITC Board Member; Silvia Clarke, eMerge Americas.
In addition, our team helped promote a B2B session in the afternoon where the 9 Scottish companies met with local business owners, including ITC Board Members: Richard de Villiers, Brenda Betancourt, and Alejandra Collarte. The B2B session resulted in more than 20 meetings with local companies and organizations in Miami-Dade County.
We thank our strategic trade partners for their support in helping host this inbound mission, and extend a special thanks ITC Board Member, Lynare Robbins, as well as, Carlos Hawker, President of the British American Business Council in Miami, for working jointly with us on this initiative.
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Commissioner Monestime announces launch of "Scale Up 305" small business incubator | |
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April 6 — We joined Commissioner Jean Monestime for the grand opening of "Scale Up 305", a small business incubator, in partnership with Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida.
HACCOF brings businesses together and acts as an advocate for Haitian and Haitian-American enterprises. The organization also mobilizes entrepreneurs across Florida, the U.S., and Haiti promoting partnerships and alliances within communities.
“We hope that this incubator will provide much needed relief to our small businesses who have no doubt felt the financial strain of COVID-19 and increased costs of doing business,” said Commissioner Monestime.
Interim Director Maria Dreyfus, Assistant Director Nusly B. Alea, and Department Advisor Phillipa Valencia attended the event to promote the County's small business community and international markets.
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New Turkish Consul General & Commercial Attaché in Miami
Our office welcomes the Hon. Feyza Barutçu-Altuğ and Ömer İnce, new Consul General and Commercial Attaché, Turkish Consulate General in Miami, respectively.
Ms. Feyza Barutçu-Altuğ, was appointed as Consul General of the Republic of Turkey in Miami in January 2022. Her experience includes serving as Head of Maritime Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2019-2022), Counsellor at the Turkish Embassy in Athens/Greece (2015-2019), Head of Department for the Council of Europe (2012-2015), Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Turkish Embassy in Beirut/Lebanon (2010-12), Second Secretary at the Turkish Embassy in Riga/Latvia (2006-2010), Political Advisor at the Office of the High Representative in Sarajevo/Bosnia-Herzegovina(2005-06), Third Secretary at the Protocol Department (2003-2005).
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Suriname's new Consul General arrives in Miami
Our office welcomes H.E. Rene Pika, new Consul General, Consulate General of the Republic of Suriname in Miami.
Mr. Pika was reappointed as Consul General of the Republic of Suriname in Miami in January 2022, and has previously served as Vice-Consul (2012-2016). He also served as Policy Advisor of the Ministers of Sport and Youth Affair (2017) and of Natural Resources (2020); member of the Board of Directors of the State Health Fund (2006-2012).
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New Director of the CFCC
Our office welcomes the new Director of the Canada Florida Chamber of Commerce, Laure Filloux.
Ms. Filloux brings over 15 years of international experience in business development, sales, networking and client retention. She has previously held the position of Executive Director of the French-American Chamber of Commerce in Miami, International Business Development Manager for International Congresses at Viparis in Paris France, and has served as Vice-Chair on the PCMA member committee.
ITC will brief an incoming delegation from Canada on May 4, 2022.
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New Consul General of the Bahamas in Miami
Our office welcomes the Hon. Curt G. Hollingsworth, new Consul General, Consulate General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in Miami.
Mr. Hollingsworth has more than 39 years of combined experience in education as a physical educational teacher, coach, mentor, and administrator. He is a member of the Kiwanis Club and G.B. Hotel and Licensing Board; President of Grand Bahama Secondary Athletics Association; National Coach – Carifta Team; National Coach - Bahamas Junior Basketball Team.
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Do you have a new member in your Consulate or Trade Office?
Send us a message to connect!
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UPCOMING EVENTS, B2B MEETINGS, & TRADE MISSIONS | |
U.S. Caribbean Business Conference 2022
April 12-13, 2022 | Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon
The South Florida District Export Council in collaboration with Enterprise Florida and the U.S. Commercial Service is organizing the U.S.-Caribbean Business Conference to help U.S. companies access business opportunities in the Caribbean region.
Learn more
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eMerge Americas 2022
April 18-19, 2022 | Miami Beach Convention Center
eMerge Americas is a venture-backed platform focused on transforming Miami into the tech hub of the Americas. This global tech conference provides the opportunity to experience and demo the latest technology advancements and solutions.
Learn more
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7th Annual AGOA CSO Network Spring Conference
April 19, 2022 | Washington D.C.
The 7th Annual #GOA CSO Network Spring Conference, hosted by the Foundation for Democracy in Africa, is taking place virtually & in person on April 19 from 8:30AM - 3:00PM at the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Washington, D.C.
Learn more
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B2B Meetings with Ecuadorian companies (**LAST CALL**)
April 20-21, 2022 | Miami, Florida
The Ecuadorian American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM Guayaquil) invites South Florida companies to participate in FREE in-person B2B meetings with Ecuadorian exporters, importers and service companies that will be part of the Ecuadorian Trade Mission in Miami.
Learn more
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Seatrade Cruise Global 2022
April 25-28, 2022 | Miami Beach Convention Center
Seatrade Cruise Global is a 3-day event bringing together every facet of the cruise industry – including cruise lines, suppliers, travel agents, and partners.
Learn more
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"Understanding Blockchain and Its Uses" Info Session & Networking Cocktail
April 27, 2022 at 6PM | Miami-Dade College Wolfson Campus
Join the next European Chambers’ in-person gatherings in Miami for a session on Blockchain and its uses, followed by a networking cocktail.
More info: rsvp@spainchamber.org | (305) 358-5988
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Aspen Ideas: Climate
May 9-12, 2022 | Miami Beach
A collaboration with the Aspen Institute, the City of Miami Beach, and a diverse group of partner institutions in and beyond South Florida, is organizing a multi-day event designed to offer the public a chance to interact, learn, and collaborate with thinkers and do-ers whose actions are critical to addressing our collective future around the realities of a changing climate.
Learn more
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Export Sales Mission to Cairo, Egypt
May 15-19, 2022 | Cairo, Egypt
Enterprise Florida will lead a business delegation of Florida small and midsize manufacturers and services providers to facilitate business conversations between the Florida delegates and their counterparts in Egypt.
Learn more
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20th Agritrade Expo & Conference
May 18-20, 2022 | Santo Domingo del Cerro, La Antigua Guatemala
Agritrade Expo and Conference is the largest agricultural export platform in Central America that brings together international buyers with the most important exporters of fresh and processed products from Latin America.
Learn more
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Trade Mission to Mexico
June 19-24, 2022 | Mexico City, Veracruz, Merida
World Trade Center Miami, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Mexico in Miami, Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, and Florida Ports Council, are organizing an exports trade mission to Mexico. This mission is in partnership with American Airlines, Miami International Airport, Enterprise Florida, and the U.S. Commercial Service.
More info: aancona@wtcmiami.org
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