Staff Report

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. – It’s that time of year again. Broward County Commissioner Holness and his Commission colleagues welcomed delegations in town for the second annual Florida International Trade & Cultural Expo (FITCE).

FITCE began on Wednesday at the Greater Fort Lauderdale-Broward County Convention Center with an opening ceremony and panels including: How to Import Into the United States of America, South Florida Ports & Foreign Trade Zones- Gateways to the World!, and How to Import Into the United States of America. The World Expo pavilion highlights various innovations from each of the 34 countries participating in FITCE.

The event continues on Thursday, focusing on Doing Business with the World, which will include presentations from international governments, consulates, trade commissioners and bi-national chambers about their top exports and imports with Florida and how to do business with their countries. Each day will conclude with a closing cocktail reception and cultural exchange to promote Broward County’s diversity.

Last year FITCE had 1050 attendees for the total conference, along with 50 exhibitors, and welcomed notable guests such as Thomas Wong, US Department of State, Office of Economic Policy and Summit Coordination, Mike Schmitz, Mayor of Dothan, Alabama, Jerry Naumoff, Minister of Foreign Direct Investment and Trade for Macedonia, Luis Fernandez, Former President of Dominican Republic, and Ralph LaTortue, Former President of Haiti.

“This year we condensed FITCE to a two-day event and we have over 1,000 attendees registered. Working with our Office of Economic and Small Business Development, the caliber of guests and panelists scheduled to participate is extraordinary. We want everyone who attends to see the cultural diversity of Broward County, as well as the economic opportunities we offer,” said Holness.