October 11-12 “Future of Florida Forum” organized by the Florida Chamber
The Florida Chamber held its annual meeting and jointly with the Florida Chamber Foundation organized the Forum. The event started with the meeting of the International Business Committee of the Chamber. Below are the highlights of this meeting. One of the most important points at the meeting was the formation of the Florida Free Trade Coalition to advocate for the passage of the FTAs. ---October 11 (During the Florida Forum)
B. Dean had the opportunity to speak with both Senators Nelson and LeMieux regarding the FTAs. Both said the new congress would be supportive of these FTAs with Colombia and Panama. They said that once the Korea FTA is concluded, the next target will be the two FTAs. Dean reminded them that the ATPDEA which now allows imports from Colombia without taxation, runs the risk of not being renewed in the future. He also commented that President Santos, unlike president Uribe, has decided not to push for the FTA and that therefore the responsibility is on the US Congress to get the Colombia FTA passed. He also stressed the fact that free trade agreements are critical to reaching the goal of doubling Florida-origin exports (NEI), and that Gateway Florida is working to promote free trade agreements in both the State of Florida as well as Washington, DC.
Note: According to the World Trade Organization, there are 283 free trade agreements in force around the globe today. In the Asia-Pacific region alone, there are 175 FTAs in force, 20 awaiting implementation, and 50 more under negotiation. The United States continues to fall behind other countries, with just 11 FTAs covering 17 countries. According to the U.S. Chamber, failure by the United States to enact just its pending trade agreements would cost 380,000 American jobs and $40 billion in exports.
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