Carroll Heading Trade Mission to South Africa

Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll left Friday for a nine-day trade mission to South Africa with Enterprise Florida.

The mission, announced in August, was promoted as a meeting of two areas that serve as trade and commerce gateways between the Americas and Africa.

South Africa, the 26th largest economy in the world, is one of the most stable markets in Africa and is Floridas No. 1 merchandise export destination in Africa, Enterprise Florida stated in a release announcing the trip.

With the fastest growing middle-class population in the world, the demand for U.S. products and services in Africa is outpacing the supply.

Florida exporters are well-positioned to gain from entry into the South African market.

"Our geographic location makes us the closest U.S. state to Africa, and our superb international trade infrastructure and the business communitys experience and expertise in doing business in Latin America and the Caribbean, uniquely qualifies us as ideal trading partners with Africa."

The delegation is expected to meet corporate and government leaders of South Africa who represent a variety of industry sectors such as financial, legal, communications, energy and transportation.

Carroll is to be in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Saturday, attending a church service Sunday at the My Fathers House Christian Fellowship Church before touring Soweto, according to the governors daily planner.

Businesses in Florida export a number of products and services to South Africa, including: civilian aircraft engines and parts; machines for assembly; earth-moving equipment; telecommunications equipment; petroleum, oils and products; medical and surgical equipment; plastic products; waters and other beverages; and motor vehicle parts.

Carrolls trade mission comes on the heels of Gov. Rick Scotts 187-member delegation to Sao Paulo, Brazil, last month.

Scott said that more than $60 million in contracts were signed by organizations that went on the trip.