The Door to CAFTA Markets

Florida�s prominence in trade with the CAFTA countries is not an accident. It is a logical consequence of a unique set of advantages the state has relative to virtually any other location on Earth. It is because of these unique advantages that Florida is already a hemispheric hub for banking and finance, education, transportation, telecommunications, entertainment and cross-border trade and investment. In fact, Florida is home to nearly 2,000 foreign companies and regional corporate headquarters for some 300 multinational companies.

Geography is, of course, a major factor. Located on the edge of the Caribbean and at the doorstep of Central and South America, Florida is the commercial crossroads of the Americas. Looking at the CAFTA countries, the view from Florida is sharper than from any other U.S. state. Measured by air miles, Florida is closer to nearly every major commercial center in the region. Geography alone can not and does not account for Florida�s position as the country�s leader in trade with the CAFTA region countries. Florida�s proximity to these countries is expressed not just in miles, but in terms of culture and other connections as well.