Broward County, FL –Countries from Central America will play a major role at the fourth annual Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE) beginning Wednesday, October 17th through Thursday, October 18th at the Greater Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center. Day 2 of FITCE includes the Main Presentation: Major Infrastructure Projects in Central America, which begins at 8:30 am. The presentation will include an introduction from Thomas Field, Director, Latin American Presidential Mission of the Global Peace Foundation, with His Excellency Vincio Cerezo, Former President of Guatemala, and Olinda Salguero, from the Central American Integration System (SICA). This will be the first year that SICA, the economic and political organization of Central American states that works for regional peace, political freedom, democracy, and economic development, has participated in FITCE. SICA has a membership of eight states (countries), eight regional observers, and 10 extraregional observers. The region of Central America has a population of over 46 million, with Guatemala the most populous country with 16.6 million.
“The fact that SICA is participating at FITCE this year is a major accomplishment. We look forward to the valuable trade insight shared by the Chair of SICA, His Excellency Vincio Cerezo, as we discuss the emerging economy of Central America. Two of the participants from Central America, Honduras, #6 and Costa Rica, #9, are top ten trade partners, with a combination of $7.4 billion in trade for the Miami Customs district which includes Broward County. In fact, we are the number one U.S. Customs district that trades with Honduras. We want to continue to grow our trade with Central America and explore new economic opportunities with the region” said Broward County Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness. All Broward County Commissioners will participate in this global economic event.
Below is a list of the participating countries from Central America:
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Belize: Erwin, Contreras, Minister of International Trade and Petroleum, Belize American Chamber of Commerce & Business Delegation
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Panama: His Excellency Nicolás Ardito Barletta Vallarino, Former President of Panama
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Costa Rica: The Honorable Patricia Bolaños Murillo, Mayor of Quepos, Costa Rica and Business Delegation
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Guatemala: His Excellency Vinicio Cerezo, Former President, Guatemala and Chair for SICA (Central American Integration System)
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Honduras: The Honorable Marcio Suazo, Mayor of Concordia, Honduras
Along with its slate of panel discussions and seminars, FITCE 2018 will feature:
- American and International Buyers Panel
- How to Import into the USA
- How to Bring Your Business to the USA
- World Expo Marketplace- visit and network with local and international exhibitors, and much more!
- Speed Matchmaking with Country Representatives
- Networking Cocktail Receptions / Cultural Experiences
For full program details and to register for free, please visit www.fitcexpo.com. General admission registration is free.
DATE: October 11, 2018
CONTACT: Lahoma Scarlette, Community Affairs Director
Broward County Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness, District 9
PHONE: (954) 357-5797
EMAIL: lscarlette@broward.org