Despite the bad economic situation in Spain, Governor Rick Scott is leading more than 60 business leaders and state officials there for a five-day business development mission. As Sascha Cordner reports, the Governor says he wants to strengthen the economic ties between Florida and Spain.
In his most recent weekly radio address, Scott said one of the main goals for his trip to get business leaders from Spain to see Florida as an attractive place to do business.
“Spain has been one of the fastest growing foreign investors in Florida in recent years. Well over 300 Spanish companies maintain operations in our state," said Scott.
Scott’s visit comes as Spain is experiencing serious economic problems, including a recent fall back into recession. But, state economic development officials say this is exactly the time to talk to Spanish business leaders who may be looking to move their business interests to the U.S.
Scott is also promoting Florida’s Viva 500 celebrations as part of the trip. The “Viva Florida 500 celebrations” commemorate the arrival of Juan Ponce de León to Florida in 1513. April 2013 will mark the 500th Anniversary of the Spanish explorer landing on Florida’s east coast.