Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Commission Chairman Oliver Gilbert and several county commissioners and staffers are in Japan on an “outbound mission” to encourage business and economic development, growth, expansion, trade, tourism and cultural exchanges.
A delegation of public officials and about 30 business leaders left Nov. 25 for the trip to visit Tokyo and Kyoto to meet with government officials and “talented Japanese business leaders” in the areas of AI, robotics, biotechnology, transit, tourism and renewable energy to exchange ideas and find opportunities
No time for the untalented.
Also participating are Commissioners Kevin Cabrera, Marleine Bastien and JC Bermudez — it might be their first trip — and the Miami-Dade County International Trade Consortium, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Beacon Council. Part of the GMCC Americas Linkage program, the trip 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
So, basically, everything.
Read related: La Alcaldesa comes home from first trip abroad to Italy with Jose “Pepe” Diaz
“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, in a press release. “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.”
According to the GMCC, Japan has long been recognized as one of South Florida’s key trading partners, with significant potential for growth across various sectors. The Florida Department of State says 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. Of course, automobiles and auto accessories 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 the state’s biotechnology and life sciences sector.
No word yet, however, (we’re asking) on how much this trip is costing county taxpayers, who are growing increasingly wary of these junkets that provide electeds with free vacations to exotic places. La Alcadesa and different commissioners have already been to Israel, Italy and Qatar, which has a repressive government and is represented by her consultant Christian Ulvert.
Read related: Miami-Dade Qatar trip shows mayoral advisor Christian Ulvert’s pull, power
“Both our regions have a shared commitment to fostering economic growth, innovation and cultural exchange,” Levine Cava said in a statement. “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.”
An in-depth interview with the Miami Herald before she left, Levine Cava said that establishing a direct flight to Tokyo would be a priority of the trip and answered several questions.
But one question that wasn’t asked: Do we really need four sitting commissioners on the trip?
Said Gilbert: “Miami-Dade County is committed to supporting our local business community and entrepreneurs by becoming a vehicle to reach new markets. This mission will help us open new doors for regional and international businesses with a critical trade partner for South Florida such as Japan.”
They can also promote the export of local goods and facilitate the import of Japanese products that align with South Florida’s market demands, the press release says. “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).”
On the itinerary this week: A site visit of the Sakura Environment Center, the Port of Yokohama — a sister port to Miami — and the Shibuya Open Innovation Lab on Monday and a tour of the Suginami Incinerator Plant and a meeting with the Governor of Tokyo on Tuesday.
The tour also coincides with the signing last week of the the US-Japan tourism year agreement by former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who is now the Ambassador to Japan. “We are grateful to Ambassador Rahm Emanuel for showcasing Miami-Dade as a top destination for Japanese travelers,” Levine Cava posted on the platform formerly known as Twitter.
Members of the delegation also met with officials of Japan Airlines to seek that direct flight.
“Our discussion emphasized cooperation and partnership with Miami-Dade and the Visitor’s Bureau, incentives for landing at MIA and the Visitor’s Bureau participating in the Osaka tourism show,” La Alcaldes posted.
Our peeps should be back on Wednesday.
Miami-Dade junket to Japan is latest trip on La Alcaldesa’s world tour added by Ladra on
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