Orange County Leaders Prepare for Colombia Trade Mission
Thursday, August 9, 2012
By: Matthew Peddie

Orange County businesses and local government leaders are getting ready to join a trade mission to Florida's second biggest trading partner, Colombia. Central Florida officials see an opportunity for business growth in industries ranging from construction to high tech.

Delegates on the trade mission at the end of this month will include representatives from government agencies, the Hispanic chamber of Commerce and a range of businesses including manufacturing, aviation and the construction industry.

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs says there could be a chance for Florida residents affected by the slowdown in construction here to find temporary work in Colombia.

Jacobs says there are big transportation projects underway in Colombia.

 “You’re talking about the engineering, the architecture, the design work. Not just those people that are out laying bricks and mortar, I’m talking about those highly skilled technicians that we have an abundance of right now.”

Jacobs says there’s also strong interest from Colombian businesses in Central Florida’s growing expertise in medical technology.

The Orange County Mayor has previously visited Brazil and Puerto Rico on trade missions.