Gov. Rick Scott to Lead 8th Trade Mission, to Chile

Florida Gov. Rick Scott has announced that he will lead a Florida trade mission to Santiago, Chile, from May 20-23.

Chile is commonly rated one of the freest nations in the world, and one of the most economically prosperous, especially compared to the rest of Latin America.

Chile is a key business partner with our state and companies there are increasingly interested in expanding their trade operations with Florida companies, Manny Menc, senior vice president of Enterprise Floridas International Trade and Development division, said in a press release. This mission will help businesses identify and establish relationships with buyers in one of the fastest growing markets in the world for Florida products.

According to the same release, Chile ranks sixth among the Sunshine State's top products export destinations. Since the January 2004 implementation of the United States and Chile Free-Trade Agreement, 90 percent of U.S. exports to Chile enter duty free. The remaining 10 percent of tariffs are set to phase out by 2015.

Enterprise Florida ranks the following products and services among the best for trade with Chile:

• Healthcare/Medical equipment

• Telecommunications

• Computer hardware, software and services

• Financial services

• Construction

• Security systems and safety equipment

• Agricultural machinery and equipment

• Electric power equipment

• Water resources equipment

• Mining equipment

• Travel and tourism services

• Food processing/packaging equipment

• Water resources equipment.