Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) will lead a delegation of small and mid-sized Florida businesses on an export sales mission to Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from November 2-9. Registration to attend is now open.
“This trade mission aims to further trade relations between Florida and two of the largest economies in the East Africa Community,” said Manny Mencia, senior vice president of international trade and development for EFI. “Growth in the region is tremendous and companies there are very interested in forming partnerships with U.S. businesses. This is a unique opportunity for small Florida companies to find new markets in a region that offers a growing, diverse mix of industries.”
Economic growth in East Africa was a robust 5.9 percent in 2017 and is forecast to continue in 2018 and 2019. Kenya has a market-based economy and is generally considered the economic, commercial, financial and logistics hub of East Africa. With 7 percent growth in 2016, Tanzania’s economy expanded quickly, putting it close to the top of the fastest-growing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa. Overall, the partner states that make up the EAC – a regional intergovernmental organization consisting of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda – registered 6.2 percent growth from 2004-2013.
The industry sectors listed below provide some of the best opportunities for exports for Florida companies. If your industry is not mentioned below, contact EFI for a no-obligation assessment.
- Agricultural Machinery and Chemicals
- Aviation/Aircraft and Aircraft Parts
- Building and Construction
- Education and Training Services
- Energy and Renewable Energy
- Electrical Power Systems
- Financial Services
- Franchising
- Information and Communication Technology
- Light Industry
- Medical Equipment and Devices
- Mineral and Agricultural Processing Equipment
- Transportation Equipment and Infrastructure
- Waste Water Management
Florida-based companies looking to expand internationally can take advantage of the comprehensive exporting assistance provided by Enterprise Florida and its economic development partners. EFI assists Florida small and medium-sized businesses expanding into the international marketplace by:
- Organizing and executing overseas trade missions and shows
- Providing access to financial assistance for export transactions
- Providing export counseling and advice
- Assisting with product and service marketing plans
- Providing website localization plans
- Publishing the Florida Export Guide and more
Last year, merchandise valued at $147.7 billion flowed through Florida’s ports with Florida-origin exports reaching $55 billion. Florida exported more goods than 190 countries in 2017, making the state a world leader in international trade.
Florida companies can participate in pre-screened one-on-one “Gold Key” meetings with local African companies interested in their product line, coordinated by the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS). The price of the Gold Key Package Registration is $2,400. Gold Key participation will be limited to Florida manufacturers and professional service companies that best meet the participation criteria. Participants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. This option is limited to 12 Florida companies.
Companies that qualify for Gold Key meetings as a “small business,” based on Small Business Administration criteria, are eligible for a grant from EFI which will reimburse 100 percent of the Gold Key Package Registration fee. A separate online application will be provided to companies once they are approved by the USCS for the Gold Key Package.
The Gold Key registration deadline is August 28.
For more details and questions regarding registration, please contact Joseph Bell: [email protected] | (813) 276-9430 or Kristian Jenkins: [email protected] | (407) 956-5694.
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Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI launched “Florida | The Future is Here” to promote the state as the nation’s premier business destination.
