DeSantis wraps up trade mission in United Kingdom
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis wrapped up his international trade mission after a week of encouraging foreign investment and meeting with world leaders.
It included stops in Japan, South Korea, Israel and the United Kingdom.
DeSantis finished his trip in the United Kingdom.
According to a press release from DeSantis’ office, he met with reinsurance companies in London promoting Florida’s efforts to stabilize and promote “long-term growth” of the state’s property insurance market.
“Access to affordable reinsurance options for Florida carriers is important for the stabilization and long-term growth of our property insurance market,” DeSantis said. “Florida is home to one of the largest and most complex insurance markets in the world, and I was happy to provide an update about recent legislative reforms that have made the market more attractive to businesses.”
The governor met with Member of Parliament Kemi Badenoch and touted his goal of “spurring economic growth.”
He also met with Foreign Minister James Cleverly to talk about the “important relationship between Florida and the United Kingdom.”
DeSantis signed legislation in Jerusalem, Israel Thursday morning.
After stopping in Japan, DeSantis traveled to South Korea.
He spoke to the South Korean Business Community on Wednesday and also announced a South Korea-based corporation will open a new facility in Florida aimed at bolstering aerospace innovation.
“The future of U.S. space exploration starts in Florida, and Japan is a strong partner in aerospace innovation,” he said. “We discussed hosting a joint Space Symposium in the fall to collaborate on new space innovation.”
The governor signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the company LowCarbon Hydrogen Corporation, which is set to break ground in Polk County in mid-2023 on a “clean hydrogen facility.”
“The company is collaborating with Space Florida to support the development and deployment of clean hydrogen and related technologies for aerospace and space industry launch applications,” his office announced.
“Our state is taking a bold step towards promoting long-term development in the aerospace and space industry across the entire supply chain,” DeSantis said. “From manufacturing and launching to fuel production, Florida is the global leader in the new space economy.”
Monday morning, DeSantis announced his first stop in Japan where he met Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
“We had the privilege of meeting with Prime Minister Kishida to build on discussions we had during the SEUS Japan Conference in Florida this past fall,” he said. “We look forward to strengthening the relationship between Japan and Florida.”
“Honored to join @GovRonDeSantis in meeting Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and members of the Japanese delegation,” First Lady Casey DeSantis said. “Proud of their commitment to continue strengthening Florida and Japan’s business relations.”
The first lady mentioned at a speaking event prior to the trade mission that their children would also be joining them in their travels.
In Japan, the governor emphasized Japan’s large investment in both the U.S. and Florida. He urged more Japanese investment and brought up the expansion of direct flights to and from Florida and Japan.
DeSantis deputy press secretary Jeremy Redfern noted the large investment relationship between Florida in Japan.
“Trade between Florida & Japan exceeds $6.6 billion, making it Florida’s 2nd largest bilateral merchandise trade partner in the Asia-Pacific region & Florida’s 7th largest partner overall,” he said. “With $1.1 trillion in Treasury holdings, Japan is the largest foreign holder of U.S. debt.”
Editor’s note: This story was updated to include DeSantis’ mission stops.
