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Florida Chamber Wants State to Double Exports

By Gina Jordan

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-902977.mp3

Tallahassee, FL – The Florida Chamber of Commerce wants lawmakers to fund a policy that would significantly enhance Florida's market share in international trade.

To coincide with World Trade Week, the chamber commissioned a study by the Washington Economics Group. It found that doubling the number of Florida exports should be a critical part of the Statewide Strategic Plan for Economic Development. Florida Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson says agriculture, construction, and tourism will continue to be important, but our economy has changed.

"As we look forward, growing our international trade business, doubling trade over the next five to six years is at the top of the list of a key economic development and growth strategy for the state of Florida."

The study offers several recommendations, like developing a comprehensive communications program to inform Florida residents and the business community of the importance of global trade.

The chamber says well over a million jobs in Florida already depend on international business, and enhancing the state's global market share will potentially increase revenue while providing more jobs.