The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and Miami-Dade County Announce Trade Mission to Japan | Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  (November 21, 2023)                                                    

Media Contacts: 

Susan J. Snyder, Vice President of Communications   

786.818.5860    

PR@miamichamber.com   

THE GREATER MIAMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ANNOUNCE TRADE MISSION TO JAPAN 

MIAMI (November 21, 2023) – The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) is pleased to announce its upcoming Americas Linkage mission to Japan co-led by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, Oliver Gilbert, III.  From November 25th through December 6th, a delegation of representatives from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Miami-Dade County and business leaders will visit Tokyo and Kyoto to meet talented Japanese business leaders, learn about new opportunities, exchange ideas, and strengthen ties between both regions. 

The GMCC Americas Linkage program is designed for groups and companies that conduct or aspire to conduct international business aiming at new market opportunities in an increasingly competitive global economy.     

The goal of this mission to Japan is to deepen trade and commerce, learn from innovations, share strategies and establish business connections in the following areas: 

• Export/Import trade, 

• Technology, innovations and entrepreneurship, 

• Waste management, 

• Sustainability and resilience, 

• Urban density/workforce housing, 

• Mobility, 

• Tourism, 

• Healthcare and pharma, 

• Aviation, and 

• Cargo and tourism trade. 

“This trade mission to Japan signifies our commitment to fostering stronger connections between Miami and Japan,” said Alfred Sanchez, president and CEO of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. “We believe that by nurturing trade relations and encouraging business development, we can unlock the full potential of both regions, ultimately leading to mutual prosperity and growth.” 

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava adds, “Both our regions have a shared commitment to fostering economic growth, innovation and cultural exchange.  Through this trade mission we aim to deepen our relationship to gain insight into innovative solutions and new markets, while also increasing international opportunities for our local companies and opening a more direct path for future exchanges.” 

“Miami-Dade County is committed to supporting our local business community and entrepreneurs by becoming a vehicle to reach new markets,” added Chairman Oliver Gilbert.  “This mission will help us open new doors for regional and international businesses with a critical trade partner for South Florida such as Japan.” 

The delegation will engage in discussions with Japanese government officials and various business leaders in areas such as AI, robotics, biotechnology, transit, tourism and renewable energy.  Additionally, they will take the opportunity to promote the export of local goods and facilitating the import of Japanese products that align with South Florida’s market demands. 

Japan has long been recognized as one of South Florida’s key trading partners, with significant potential for growth across various sectors.  According to the Florida Department of State, Japan is Florida’s second largest bilateral merchandise trading partner in the Asia-Pacific region, with total trade valued at $6.6 billion in 2022.  Automobiles and related products accounted for almost 81% of all exports from Japan to Florida last year.  Florida’s exports to Japan totaled $636 million, with 55% coming from our rapidly growing biotechnology and life sciences sector.  Additionally, Miami’s strategic location and robust financial services sector make it an attractive destination for foreign investment, including from Japan (currently ranking 6th among sources of foreign direct investment in Florida). 

We look forward to a fruitful trade mission that will generate new opportunities, deepen relationships and pave the way for increased business partnerships as we seek solutions for the greatest challenges facing our business community.   

The Chamber would like to take this opportunity to thank our mission partners including American Airlines, BDO, USA, LLP, .Becker Poliakoff, PA, Express Travel, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners/International Trade Consortium, Miami International Airport, and PortMiami. 

About the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce 

The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce is the proud champion for the Greater Miami Business Community and serves as a catalyst for solutions to the problems that businesses face. Founded in 1907 as the Miami Board of Trade, today’s Chamber represents more than 400,000-member company employees and is heralded for its legacy of leadership in economic development, and its unwavering commitment to improving the Miami-Dade community. Our members drive a business agenda at the federal, state and local levels.  We are dedicated to building the best environment for business in the Americas and committed to improving the economic vitality of South Florida.  Our advocacy efforts are focused on four main priority areas:  Transportation, Workforce Housing, Workforce Development & Education, and Resilience.  For more information, please visit www.miamichamber.com.   

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