Florida’s Innovative Life Sciences and Health Care Industry Highlighted on Day Four of Trade Mission to Italy

MILAN, Italy-Today, on day four of Governor Ron DeSantis's trade mission to Italy, the focus was on showcasing Florida's cutting-edge life sciences and health care industries. Known for pioneering advancements in health care, Florida is home to globally recognized research institutions such as Florida State University, the University of South Florida, the University of Florida, and Florida International University.

"Under Governor DeSantis' leadership Florida is leading innovation in the life sciences industry," said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. "The conversations had today, will forge new Italian partnerships in the health care and life sciences industry, crucial industries for the long-term success of our state."

As part of the mission, Florida delegates-including Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Jason Weida-engaged with leaders from Italy's life sciences sector and held a roundtable with health care businesses and hospitals to explore potential partnerships and growth opportunities.

Alongside healthcare partnerships, Governor DeSantis and Florida officials, together with JAXPORT representatives, met with MSC, the world's largest shipping line, which showed strong interest in establishing a direct route between Italy, the Mediterranean, and Jacksonville. This new Mediterranean-JAX service will feature Cosentino, a Spanish company known for its innovative architectural surfaces, which is set to open its first North American manufacturing facility in Jacksonville. Supported by a Governor's Job Growth Grant Fund and FloridaCommerce, this expansion highlights MSC's commitment to Florida, where it already operates five weekly services through JAXPORT and has seen a 35% increase in volume from FY2023 to FY2024.

"With Florida seaports serving as key gateways to international markets and over 114 million tons of cargo handled at Florida's seaports each year, FDOT is thrilled for the opportunity to be a part of this trade mission as our seaports look to further expand and develop markets throughout the world," said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. "FDOT appreciates the leadership and opportunity from Governor DeSantis, Florida Commerce, and SelectFlorida to help show Florida seaports are open for business."

In Milan, Governor DeSantis and Florida leaders met with executives from MAPEI, a prominent Italian construction product supplier with four facilities in Florida, and Pininfarina, an internationally renowned Italian car design firm with engineering and manufacturing operations. With more than 40 employees in Florida, Pininfarina represents Italian excellence in style and design. The visits solidified Florida as the best place to expand operations and highlighted the potential for the companies to provide additional workforce training opportunities and specialized apprenticeships in the state.

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About FloridaCommerce and SelectFlorida

The Florida Department of Commerce combines the state's economic, workforce, and community development efforts, expediting economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities and promote economic resiliency. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.FloridaJobs.org.

SelectFlorida, Inc. was formed and founded in 2023 to absorb the state's international commerce functions and operate as a model Direct Support Organization (DSO) for the Florida Department of Commerce (FloridaCommerce). SelectFlorida's mission is to attract, retain, and create higher-wage jobs for Floridians. For information on SelectFlorida, please visit www.SelectFlorida.org