Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) will lead a business delegation of small and mid-sized Florida manufacturers and services providers on an export sales mission to Casablanca, Morocco from April 14-18.
“Morocco has become a top destination for foreign investments and trade,” said Manny Mencia, senior vice president of international trade and development for EFI. “Morocco has increased investment in its port, transportation, and industrial infrastructure to position itself as a center for business throughout Africa. Florida companies in industries like energy, infrastructure, agricultural equipment, and healthcare can find great new opportunities there.”
With a total population of 35 million people and having the sixth-largest economy in Africa, Morocco is seen as the gateway to sub-Saharan Africa with its developed trade environment. The U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed in 2006, is the only U.S. FTA with an African nation.
Florida companies’ world-class goods and services have a significant competitive advantage and are well-suited for the types of industries being pursued by businesses in Morocco.
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 Moroccan companies interested in their product line, coordinated by the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS). The price of the Gold Key Package Registration is $2,300. 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.
Eligible small and mid-sized Florida manufacturers and professional service providers may qualify for a Gold Key Grant, which will offset 100 percent of the Gold Key Package fee for the first company representative. A separate application process will be required for this grant.
Gold Key registration ends February 8.
For more information, please contact Joseph Bell at [email protected] and (813) 276-9430 or Larry Bernaski at [email protected] and (904) 359-9350.
