Vern Buchanan: Port Manatee Gains From Panama Canal Expansion

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., the chairman of the Panama Caucus, met with Panamanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Fernando Nuz Fabrega on Tuesday to touch base on trade. The Panama Canal expansion, which promises to boost trade in Florida, is expected to be completed by 2015 and will double its capacity. There are estimates showing Floridas economy will grow after the Panama Canal expands with tens of thousands of new jobs being created.

As chairman of the Panama Caucus, jobs and the economy are my top priority, said Buchanan. Florida, especially Port Manatee, is in a unique position to benefit from the expansion of the Panama Canal. I applaud Minister Fabrega and his government for their commitment to free trade and strengthening the economic ties between our countries.