Over 21 representatives from foreign consulates were hosted in Palm Beach County last week as “Experience Florida”, a week-long program for participants to strengthen economic, commercial, scientific and cultural relations between the countries they represent and Palm Beach County, once again took place.
Representatives from Palm Beach County highlighted economic development opportunities and encouraged stronger business connections with the countries represented.
Participating foreign diplomats met with representatives from Palm Beach County economic, infrastructure and security organizations in hopes of providing improved support to their citizens living in or visiting Palm Beach County.
Participants also learned about law enforcement capabilities through the program, which provides for a mutual exchange and dialogue on policing, training, and technology in today’s rapidly changing environment.
After a successful “Experience Florida” in May of 2015 in Indian River County, Palm Beach County hosted the event this year which culminated in a dinner at the Boca Raton Resort to close the program.
“Having foreign consulates in our City gave us the opportunity to discuss the Customs facility currently underway at the Boca Raton Airport, as well an opportunity to educate them on our thriving corporate community,” said Boca Raton Mayor Susan Haynie. “The Experience Florida – Palm Beach County event was the perfect way to let these influential leaders know that Boca Raton is open for business – international business.”
The diplomats spend the week going to numerous places, including the Port of Palm Beach, which the consulates of the Bahamas, Canada, Ecuador, France, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Spain, Uruguay, Dominican Republic, Belgium, Nigeria, Germany, Monaco, Sweden, Angola and Pakistan attended the event.
“We were delighted to be selected for inclusion in the Experience Florida event,” noted Blair J. Ciklin, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Port of Palm Beach. “We thoroughly enjoyed sharing insights into our cargo and cruise business with all the consulates during their familiarization trip in Palm Beach County.”
In addition to the Port of Palm Beach, the participants also visited the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Beach Regional Fusion Center, Solid Waste Authority, Lion Country Safari, Florida Power and Light, West Palm Beach City Hall, Research Park at Florida Atlantic University and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation.
“We will continue to build upon these new business relationships as we expand our economic development efforts on an international basis,” added Mayor Haynie.
