Florida and Ontario coming together to support cross-border trade agreements

Chambers in Florida and Ontario are partnering together in support of continued cross-border trade agreements between the province and state.  

Included in this partnership are The Florida Chamber of Commerce (Florida Chamber), Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), Canada-Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, and Canada-Florida Chamber of Commerce.  

They are coming together to support the continuation of cross-border trade agreements between Florida and Ontario and to encourage the renewal of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) during the current renegotiation process. 

Florida and Ontario have a relationship that helps both places in tourism and the trade co-operation. Every year they generate around $4.9 billion in areas such as furniture, iron and steel structures, computer and computer peripherals, autos, fruit and vegetable juices, and coffee according to a statement from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.  

The chambers are urging their governments to strengthen cross-border partnerships between the two regions as it contributes to the economic prosperity of both regions.  

“With almost 500 Canadian companies employing Floridians, it is important that we continue to maintain and expand our relationship with Ontario and Canada to fuel economic growth,” said Mark Wilson, president and chief executive officer of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.  “The Florida Chamber is proud to join the Ontario Chamber in support of free trade and modernization and renewal of NAFTA.”   

Andrew McIntosh, president of Canada-Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce noted how the personal and educational visits often develop into commercial exchange; and business activities typically precede a decision to invest. He believes that having NAFTA’s support is important to make sure that they have a regulatory environment that can be crucial to their prosperity and broader growth on a bilateral basis. 

“As many Ontarians consider Florida their second home, we must continue to build upon the strong substantive relationship between our two jurisdictions,” said Rocco Rossi, president and chief executive officer of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “The OCC believes cross-border trade agreements and the renewal of NAFTA will continue to drive economic growth for Ontario and Florida.”