BROWARD COUNTY, FL - The County will host world leaders, high-level government professionals, country delegations and global business executives and entrepreneurs at the 6th Annual Florida InternationalTrade and Cultural Expo (FITCE). This year's event will be held in-person November 17-18, 2021 (in accordance with COVID-19 protocols) at the newly expanded Greater Fort Lauderdale / Broward County Convention Center located at 1950 Eisenhower Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. General admission registration is free.

FITCE affords local business owners and entrepreneurs interested in import and export opportunities a one-of-a-kind platform to network with high-level business and government leaders from around the world as well as representatives from local, state and federal trade agencies.

Confirmed international dignitaries include:

• Luis Guillermo Solis Rivera, Former President of Costa Rica
• Jorge Quiroga, Former President of Bolivia
• Vinicio Cerezo, Former President of Guatemala 
• Luis Alberto Lacalle, Former President of Uruguay
• Carlos Mesa, Former President of Bolivia
• Jamil Mahaud, Former President of Ecuador
• Martin Torrijos, Former President of Panama 

The two-day event features industry experts in international trade and global business as well as representatives of international consulates and foreign associations. International delegations of buyers and sellers will also participate in the World Expo Marketplace, where attendees may shop the various exhibitors and vendors for unique items. Some of the 60 participating countries include Brazil, Bangladesh, Belize, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ghana, Guyana, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Romania, Taiwan & United Arab Emirates. Visit the FITCE website for the up-to-date listing of confirmed participating countries.

"This year, we expect to welcome 60 countries with a new special delegation visiting from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, led by His Excellency Dawood Al Shezawi," said Paola Isaac Baraya, FITCE Coordinator and Economic Development Specialist (International Trade), Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development.

FITCE attendees may also participate in a full agenda of educational sessions including the "Doing Business with the World" panel discussions, "A Roadmap to Exporting Your Success!" and "Speed Matchmaking with Country Representatives." The expo also highlights world cultures and art with visual displays and performances. A special session is also planned by Sister Cities International and Sustainable Fashion Tech Week.

For more information about FITCE 2021, visit FITCExpo.com.

About Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD)
The mission of OESBD is to enhance Broward County's economy and contribute to an improved quality of life for all residents. Areas of focus include value-added job creation, business expansion and retention, small business growth, business development, international trade development, export readiness and entrepreneurial training and development. Services are delivered by the agency and through partnerships with state, local and private sector organizations. The OESBD promotes equal access to Broward County procurement opportunities for small business enterprises in local and federal small business programs and helps position small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs to take advantage of opportunities and grow their businesses beyond Broward. Call 954-357-6400 for more information or visit our website.

November 8, 2021
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kimberly Maroe, Public Information Manager
Broward County Commission
954-357-8053
kmaroe@broward.org

Tatyana R. McCall, Public Information Officer
Office of Economic and Small Business Development
954-357-6400 (office) / 954-465-9977 (mobile)
tmccall@broward.org | broward.org/econdev

Paola Isaac Baraya, MSc, Economic Development Specialist - International Trade
Office of Economic and Small Business Development
954.357.7894 (office) / 786.597.6729 (mobile)
pisaac@broward.org | broward.org/econdev