Florida has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Florida Ports Council, Assoporti, the Association of Italian Ports, and Assologistica, the Italian Association of Logistics and Supply Chain Management. The agreement, signed by Florida Department of Commerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly and Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, follows Governor Ron DeSantis’ trade mission to Italy in November 2024. It aims to enhance cooperation in trade, logistics, and economic and workforce development.
Secretary J. Alex Kelly stated, “Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, we recognize that Florida’s ports are a critical part of Florida’s continued economic success and our state’s supply chain, trade, and tourism – the signing of this MOU supports these functions and will continue to drive Florida’s economy forward.”
Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue emphasized the potential for growth, saying, “From trade and connectivity prospects to smart port development and technology exchange, with this MOU agreement, the opportunities between our regions are endless and will no doubt generate truly remarkable successes.” He attributed this partnership to Governor DeSantis’ leadership and collaborative efforts with Italy.
The agreement underscores the significance of the Italian and Florida ports collaboration. Assologistica President Umberto Ruggerone expressed optimism about the cooperation: “We are very pleased with this path, which is based on shared intentions of collaboration and growth… dialogue among operators is essential.”
Rodolfo Giampieri, President of Assoporti, noted the importance of the partnership for Italian ports. He stated, “I consider the initiation of collaboration with Florida’s ports an excellent outcome for Italian ports… reinforcing the role of port operations in the new global competition.”
Carlos Buqueras, Chair of the Florida Ports Council, highlighted the vital role of Florida’s seaports: “Florida’s 16 deep-water seaports are a critical supply chain link, providing food, fuel, medical supplies and so much more, to Florida’s more than 23 million residents.” The collaboration aims to enhance trade, logistics, and seaport operations with Italy.
Mike Rubin, CEO/President of the Florida Ports Council, shared insights from the trade mission to Italy, stating that the MOU “signifies an enhancement of that relationship and a promise to continue our collaborative efforts. We thank Governor DeSantis for his leadership.”
Italy is a critical partner for Florida, being the state’s second-largest bilateral merchandise trading partner in the EU in 2024, with $4.3 billion in trade. Notable exports from Florida to Italy include yachts, organic compounds, and aviation parts. Italy also ranks among the top foreign investors in Florida, employing about 11,000 people through majority-owned affiliates.
The MOU identifies areas for collaboration, including supply chain optimization, infrastructure investment, port management, and workforce development. Both regions look forward to sharing best practices to boost trade and economic development.
