International Trade Commissioners and Consuls in Tampa

International Trade Commissioners and Consuls from the Central and South Florida Consular Corps visited Tampa

November 11, 2005 - The Tampa Hillsborough International Protocol Office hosted this week the second consular corps event in Tampa. Trade development representatives and agencies of foreign governments that are located in Florida were invited to come and visit Tampa for two days. These representatives and agencies are often the first contact for foreign firms looking to expand into the U.S. market and are crucial contacts for domestic companies desiring a greater international presence. Increased familiarity with our economic potential, strong workforce, and dynamic business environment equips these valuable partners with the tools to recommend Tampa as “the” place to do business in Florida.

The second Consular Corps Event was a resounding success. Participants represented Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Israel, Jamaica, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands Antilles, Norway, Panama, Saint Lucia, Sweden, Trinidad & Tobago, and the United Kingdom. The feedback following the event was excellent – the attending consuls gained valuable insight and praised Tampa as an exceptional place to do business.

Tampa is a great place to be! The Tampa MSA is the 2nd largest in Florida, and was ranked 12th among the top best performing cities in the USA (economic, population growth) by the Milken Institute (November 2004). In 2004, KPMG ranked Tampa among the top ten best international cities worldwide to set up and operate a business. Tampa International Airport, named top international gateway by OAG Worldwide, and recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as best in the nation and among the top three best airports worldwide servicing twenty-six airlines. The Port of Tampa is Florida’s largest deepwater port and is the 3rd largest (domestic tonnage) in the country.