Orange County recently hosted the Florida Trade and Logistics Institute at the Orlando International Airport for a presentation on the Orlando Region\u2019s Trade & Logistics Plan Rollout, which ended with a tour of maritime seaport hub Port Canaveral.<\/p>\n
The event showcased the regional efforts to secure Florida\u2019s future as a global hub for trade and achieve the goals identified in the Florida Chamber Foundation\u2019s Trade and Logistics Study. The Study builds on the state\u2019s plan to transform Florida\u2019s economy through trade, logistics and export-oriented manufacturing activities and identifies a potential of 150,000 new trade and logistics jobs that can be created over the next five years.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe understand the impact that international trade has on our economy, and are proud to partner with and support the efforts of the Florida Chamber and the Florida Department of Transportation,\u201d said Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs at the conference. \u201cTogether, we provide the framework to move products, goods and cargo to the marketplace. In addition to infrastructure, studies like the one being rolled out by the Florida Trade and Logistics Institute provide insight and expertise for the benefit of our entire region.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Orlando Region\u2019s Trade & Logistics Plan Rollout is the implementation phase of the Florida Chamber Foundation\u2019s Trade & Logistics Study 2.0. The study convened public, private and civic partners to examine the state\u2019s progress toward a global vision with particular emphasis on workforce, economic development and business climate strategies.<\/p>\n
“Central Florida’s assets took center stage today at the Orlando Region’s Trade & Logistics Plan Rollout,” said Alice Ancona, Director of Global Outreach, Florida Chamber of Commerce. “A strong partnership between both private and public leaders positions the region for success. There are opportunities to diversify our economy and expand into European and African markets.”<\/p>\n
Florida is uniquely positioned in the center of the hemisphere. According to research from the Florida Chamber Foundation, the shift in the nation’s population to the south, the Panama Canal widening and the resurgence of Latin American and Caribbean trade creates an opportunity for Florida to excel as a global logistics hub. The Central Florida region, including Orange, Seminole, Brevard, Lake, Osceola, Volusia and Sumter County has a gross domestic product of $138 billion and is home to nearly 3.5 million people.<\/p>\n
Orange County\u2019s Economic Development Team, the Central Florida Trade Office, Port Canaveral and the Orlando International Airport coordinated efforts to present the final action plan. Strategies include opportunities for businesses to expand into international markets, infrastructure expansions and capitalizing on Port Canaveral\u2019s new international cargo operations.<\/p>\n