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Port Manatee trade hub expands reach with four-city tour

[ October 2, 2019   //   ]

Having just completed successful global business opportunity events in four Florida cities, the International Trade Hub at Port Manatee continues to expand its commerce-nurturing reach.
“After two years of success in taking the trade center’s business promotional activities on the road, plans are already in the works for what will be the International Trade Hub at Port Manatee’s third annual multicity expo tour, set for August 2020,” Manatee County Port Authority Chairwoman Vanessa Baugh said following the Aug. 26-29 showcase events held in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Bradenton and Tampa.
The 2019 International Trade Summit events, held in collaboration with local partners, welcomed hundreds of Florida businesspeople to connect with representatives of more than 30 companies from 11 countries of Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe, as well as the United States. Participants included suppliers of a diverse range of ethnic foods and beverages, clothing, cosmetics and fragrances, high-tech equipment and business services.
“Connections made through the recent expo-style showcases and a host of expertise-sharing activities of the International Trade Hub at Port Manatee are proving to be invaluable catalysts for entrepreneurs expanding their import and export horizons,” said Port Manatee Executive Director Carlos Buqueras. “Not only is the hub’s reach flourishing throughout Florida, but opportunities also are being explored for broadening the trade center’s global presence.”
Founded in 2014 at the Port Manatee Intermodal Center, the International Trade Hub at Port Manatee unveiled promotional offices in early 2019 in Colombia and Spain, with plans for opening additional overseas offices in months to come.
The International Trade Hub at Port Manatee serves as a vital link between markets in Florida and throughout the world. The hub provides expert advice and support tools to local and global firms, assisting them with production, distribution and related activities, including development of innovative supply chain solutions.
Located “Where Tampa Bay Meets the Gulf of Mexico,” Port Manatee is the closest U.S. deepwater seaport to the expanded Panama Canal, with 10 40-foot-draft berths serving container, bulk, breakbulk, heavylift, project and general cargo customers. The port generates more than $2.3 billion in annual economic impact for the local community, while supporting more than 24,000 jobs, without levying ad-valorem taxes.

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