ICYMI: SelectFlorida Announces the Opening of a New International Trade Office in Italy

MILAN, Italy- Today, SelectFlorida announced the official opening of a new international trade development office in Milan, Italy. With the addition of this new office, SelectFlorida operates 18 international trade development offices across 16 countries, further advancing its mission to strengthen Florida's international economic footprint while supporting small and emerging businesses across the state. This new office fulfills Governor Ron DeSantis's commitment, made during his November meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, to deepen Florida-Italy commercial ties by establishing a permanent SelectFlorida presence in Italy.

"Under Governor DeSantis' leadership, Florida has made international engagement a central pilar of our economic growth strategy," said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. "Establishing a permanent presence in Milan-Italy's economic powerhouse-will significantly expand Florida's capacity to attract high-quality foreign direct investment, promote world-class exports and create new international opportunities for small and emerging businesses across the state."

"Italy is a critical market in our international trade portfolio and this office represents our long-term commitment to deepening those ties," said Interim President of SelectFlorida Matt Swanson. "Through this new presence, we will cultivate high-impact partnerships, fuel strategic investment and create opportunities that support job creation and economic growth across Florida."

"Building on last year's trade mission with Governor DeSantis, today marks a significant step forward as we open Florida's first trade office in Italy," said SelectFlorida Board Member and Chief of Regulatory Compliance for JAXPORT, Nick Primrose. "This milestone underscores our commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and opens new pathways for investment, innovation, and shared prosperity."

The SelectFlorida Milan office will serve as a strategic hub to promote bilateral trade, attract foreign direct investment and support Italian companies seeking to establish or expand operations in Florida. It will also assist Florida's small and emerging businesses looking to enter or grow within Italian markets by working in close coordination with local and regional business leaders, chambers of commerce and trade associations to foster mutual economic benefit and expand trade opportunities between Florida and Italy.

Florida's partnership with Italy spans several industries, including transportation and logistics, aerospace and aviation, military and defense, and life sciences. In Fiscal Year 2024-2025 SelectFlorida generated a record $1.9 billion in export sales-a $500 million increase from the previous fiscal year. In the past year, Florida's largest industrial traded goods included yachts and other vessels, civilian aircraft and parts, cars, and pharmaceuticals-industries aligned with Florida's growing, high-skilled workforce. This new office will play a vital role in supporting the growth and development of partnerships across these industries, creating lasting economic value for both Florida and Italy.