International Trade

Globalization: refers to increasing global/international connectivity, integration and interdependence

With the world becoming smaller and flatter with the use of technology, doing business with your neighbors now means doing business
with China and/or Brazil.

The Council’s primary objectives are:

• facilitate existing industry growth, diversity, retention and expansion

• develop a technically skilled and available workforce

• attract and recruit targeted industries

Part of the EDC’s mission is to provide more stability and resiliency to the business climate in our tri-county area.  Expanding our international business development activity is part of that mission.  This will include foreign direct investment and import/export.

As a result of the 2004 and 2005 hurricane season, regional businesses suffered damages which resulted in a negative ripple effect across Northwest Florida’s economy.  To accomplish its mission of attracting and retraining businesses, and creating and diversifying the industry sectors, the EDC is committed to promoting the international business trade concept to achieve growth, stability and high wages for Okaloosa County.

EDC’s Goal

• Diversify the region,

• Expand its outreach capabilities

• Increase international business

• Create long-term global competitiveness

• Support and maintain the economy’s resiliency

These goals includes working with, supporting and promoting the international growth expected with the international coalition fighter locating at Eglin AFB.

Okaloosa County is equipped to expand its globalization efforts:

• The intellectual capital is more abundant than elsewhere in the region (UWF Technology 2000 Study).

• A high percentage of the military retirees (average age of 44 years) possess an understanding of international cultures.

• A large percentage of our tourism includes Canada, Europe, Asia, and South America.

• Research facilities consisting of the Air Force, universities, and the private-sector will attract foreign technical workers.

• The development of a new research campus will focus on attracting R&D facilities from U.S. and foreign investors.

Okaloosa County's Aerospace/Aviation Hub

Okaloosa County offers an industrial airpark in the northern section of the county just north of Interstate 10.  This airpark has been targeted as a central location for

• Aerospace Maintenance Facility Hub

• Cargo Hub

• Aviation Industry Cluster

International Trade Forum

The EDC and its TeCMEN committee sponsored an International Trade Forum on October 9, 2007.  Approximately 30 county-wide industry leaders participated in this very informative forum.

Click images for complete PowerPoint presentations.

Resources for International Trade

Enterprise Florida International Trade Missions

• Arab Health, January 28-31, 2008

• Singapore Air Show, February 19-24, 2008

• Santo Domingo Export Sales Mission, March 9-12, 2008

• FIDAE 2008, March 31-April 6, 2008

• Farnborough Air Show, July 14-20, 2008

• Defendory 2008, October 7-11, 2008

A listing of Okaloosa County businesses
may be viewed on the EDC membership page.

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