Florida and Ontario Chambers of Commerce Call for Strengthening Cross-Border Trade

TORONTO, ON and TALLAHASSEE, Fla (April 30, 2018)–  The Florida Chamber of Commerce (Florida Chamber), Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), Canada-Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, and Canada-Florida Chamber of Commerce, are partnering together in support of continued cross-border trade agreements between Florida and Ontario. The chambers are actively encouraging the renewal of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) during the current renegotiation process.

“With almost 500 Canadian companies employing Floridians, it is important that we continue to maintain and expand our relationship with Ontario and Canada to fuel economic growth,” said Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.  “The Florida Chamber is proud to join the Ontario Chamber in support of free trade and modernization and renewal of NAFTA.”

Florida and Ontario share a substantive, significant relationship – particularly in tourism and trade cooperation. Trade between Florida and Ontario is mutually beneficial and growing, generating $4.9 billion annually. Key sectors such as furniture, iron and steel structures, computer and computer peripherals, autos, fruit and vegetable juices, and coffee are currently at stake.

“As many Ontarians consider Florida their second home, we must continue to build upon the strong substantive relationship between our two jurisdictions,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “The OCC believes cross-border trade agreements and the renewal of NAFTA will continue to drive economic growth for Ontario and Florida.”

All organizations are urging their governments to explore opportunities to strengthen cross-border partnerships between the two regions. Continued cross-border trade benefits all parties involved, contributing to the economic prosperity of both regions.

What Others Are Saying:

“The economic and social ties between Ontario and the Tampa Bay region are long-standing and remarkable, not just during the holidays or vacation break but throughout the year.  Personal and educational visits often develop into commercial exchange; and business activities typically precede a decision to invest.  At the Canada-Tampa Bay Chamber we see this first hand.  A modernized NAFTA and a friendly regulatory environment generally are critical to continued prosperity and broader growth on a bilateral basis.”  Andrew McIntosh, President of Canada-Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. 

“The Canada Florida Chamber of Commerce is excited about and supportive of the cross-border cooperation that the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce are jointly advocating for in order to foster and promote cross border trade and investment.”  Glenn Cooper, President, Florida-Canada Chamber of Commerce.

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CONTACT:

Edie Ousley, Florida Chamber of Commerce
850-521-1231
eousley@flchamber.com

Jessica Georgakopoulos, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
647-243-3556
jessicageorgakopoulos@occ.ca