While Florida’s state trade mission to Italy continues, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the leader of Italy, Giorgia MeloniThey met on Tuesday with the aim of “improving the relationship between Italy and Florida.”

“It was great to discuss relations between Florida and Italy with the Prime Minister in Rome today. We hope the relationship between Florida and Italy continues to grow, and we welcome Italian companies investing more in our state,” DeSantis said. “We appreciate our Prime Minister hosting our trade delegation this week and appreciate his efforts to advance the interests of his country and his people.”

The governor’s office points out the similarities between the European country and the state.

“Both share common ties, values, industry and commerce, and many Italian Americans call Florida home. “Both are peninsulas of historical importance and uniquely beautiful natural landscapes.”

The five-day mission takes 85 Floridians from the government, business and education sectors to Rome, Viareggio, Florence, Turin and Milan in hopes of fostering a trade relationship worth $4.4 billion annually.

But statecraft was not the only goal of Tuesday’s events. The Governor also announced the opening of a new SelectFlorida international trade development office in Italy, the 18th globally.

“Florida is greatly expanding its Italian presence, and we are pleased to announce that our newest international trade office will be in Italy,” DeSantis said. “Our physical presence here will continue the work of this trade mission to bring more businesses, investment and commerce to Florida.”

Also Tuesday, the Governor posted on social media that the delegation met in Viareggio “at the shipyards of three of the world’s top yacht manufacturers – Sanlorenzo, Benetti and Overmarine – all of whom have footprints in Florida.”

“We have encouraged them to grow their investment in the world-class ports of the Free State of Florida and are working to bring more of their operations to our state,” DeSantis said.

Florida Secretary of Commerce J.Alex Kelly He added that “Florida’s nation-leading yacht building industry” will benefit from “strengthened” connectivity with “the epicenter of the world yacht building industry.”

The governor made commercial missions a part of his administration.

In 2019, a delegation went to Israel under the auspices of Enterprise Florida.

Last year, DeSantis and others traveled to Japan, South Korea, Israel and the United Kingdom.

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