Commissioner Holness represents Broward County on trade mission to Colombia
Submitted by Lahoma Scarlette
Broward County Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness joined Gov. Rick Scott on the first day of the Team Florida Trade Mission to Bogota, Colombia, Dec. 2-5, 2012. As a result of the successful inbound trade mission and official visit from 13 Colombian mayors and business owners to Broward County July 9-13, 2012, the Broward County Commission approved Commissioner Holness to represent Broward County.
The Governor’s mission includes networking events, one-on-one business match-making and meetings with U.S. Ambassador Michael McKinley, Vice Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Gabriel Duque and President of Colombia Juan Manuel Santos.
In an effort to maintain the positive economic and business relationships that developed during the Colombian Inbound Trade Mission in July, Commissioner Holness will extend his visit in Colombia, Dec. 5-9, to meet with major economic executives and dignitaries.
During that time, Commissioner Holness will lead Broward County and international business partners to encourage an increase of free trade and promote economic development opportunities for Broward County. His extended stay will include visits to Cali, Medellin and Buenaventura, home to the Port of Buenaventura, a strong industrial port with 65 percent of all Colombian goods going through their port.
Colombia is Florida’s second largest trading partner, following Brazil, with trade totaling more than nine billion dollars in 2011. It is also among the top five destinations for Florida products, totaling nearly three billion dollars in exports.
