Registration is open for EFI-led mission to San Jose, Costa Rica in February 2018
Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) will lead a delegation of small and mid-sized businesses on an export sales mission to San Jose, Costa Rica from February 26-March 1, 2018. Registration to attend is now open.
“Costa Rica’s market represents vast opportunity for Florida companies interested in increasing their footprint in the Central American market,” said Stan Connally, Chairman, President and CEO of Gulf Power and Vice Chairman of Enterprise Florida. “Facilitated by the U.S.-Central America Free Trade Agreement, the U.S. has become the chief trading partner for Costa Rica and exporters benefit from reduced tariffs and barriers. Florida is the hub of this vigorous bilateral trade.”
Trade between the U.S. and Costa Rica totaled $10.2 billion in 2016, where Florida was the leading state in two-way trade. Costa Rica ranks as Florida’s 12th largest merchandise trading partner with nearly $3.6 billion in total trade and nearly $2.5 billion in exports alone in 2016.
Florida companies are well-positioned to benefit from these opportunities. The Enterprise Florida export sales mission will provide an excellent vehicle to initiate or expand trade opportunities in Costa Rica.
The industry sectors listed below provide the best opportunities for exports from the U.S. to Costa Rica. Given the recent easing of import restrictions, there are many promising prospects and the list below is not exclusive. If your industry is not mentioned below, please contact us for a no-obligation assessment. Leading sectors for Florida exports to Costa Rica include:
- Medical Device Manufacturers
- Civilian Aircraft, Engines, and Parts
- Building and Construction Equipment
- Automotive Parts/Service Equipment
- Renewable Energy
- Food Packaging
- Hotel and Restaurant Equipment
- Beauty Products Manufacturer
The U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) will schedule one-on-one Gold Key appointments with pre-screened Costa Rican companies that have expressed an interest in the products or services of Florida companies attending.
The USCS Gold Key program allows small and midsized enterprise (SME) manufacturers, high tech companies and service providers to reduce the time and money they invest in locating and screening prospective trade partners by finding potential overseas agents, distributors, sales representatives and business partners. The USCS arranges business meetings with pre-screened representatives, distributors, professional associations, government contacts, and/or licensing or joint venture partners.
Gold Key participation will be limited to Florida manufacturers, distributors and service companies that best meet the participation criteria. Selection of these firms will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Final selection will be determined by the U.S. Commercial Officer to ensure market suitability.
The price of this service is $1,250. Small and mid-sized Florida manufacturers, eligible high tech companies and professional service providers may qualify for a Gold Key Grant, which will offset the matchmaking registration fee for the first company representative. A separate application process will be required for this grant. Additional company representatives will be charged a $500 delegate fee.
The Gold Key registration deadline is December 15, 2017 and the delegate registration deadline is January 26, 2018.
To register or apply for a Gold Key grant, please contact Enterprise Florida representative, Jorge Riano at jriano@enterpriseflorida.com.
