Port Canaveral hosts tour for international dignitaries

Americas Competitiveness Exchange Tour (ACE) aims to build global partnerships Port Canaveral, FL - A delegation of over 50 influential dignitaries from around the world visited Port Canaveral yesterday as part of the Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) tour, promoting Port Canaveral as an internationally known hub for business innovation and entrepreneurship. Port Canaveral was selected to host the ACE tour which builds global networks between local and visiting stakeholders and establishing long term collaborative partnerships. The visit was organized by the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC).

“Port Canaveral is proud to host this year’s ACE 8 tour, showcasing our innovation and entrepreneurship”, said Captain John Murray, Port CEO. “It is our goal at the Port to develop and establish long-term relationships with business leaders, both locally and globally. Port Canaveral is a world-class gateway for cruises, cargo, recreation and logistics, as well as a gateway to new frontiers, including space. We are fully committed to strengthening the economic development and collaborative partnerships with our community.” Port Canaveral was one of three premier locations for the tour, including Florida Tech’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Innovative Design (CAMID) facility and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Port Canaveral Commission Chairman Tom Weinberg welcomed the delegation to Port Canaveral. “You represent for the Western hemisphere what we are all about here at Port Canaveral and that’s commerce, trade, shared culture and friendship,” stated Chairman Weinberg. Jacqueline Emmanuel-Flood, CEO of the St. Lucia Trade Export Promotion Agency and ACE delegate, presented an award to Capt. Murray, recognizing Port Canaveral’s contribution to the ACE program and establishing long-lasting global relationships.

In his closing remarks to the group, Capt. Murray stated that Port Canaveral is poised to facilitate the commerce needs of the nations and government or commercial enterprises the delegates represent. “We are a gateway serving the rapid growth of Central Florida, a high demand and high consuming market. We have opportunities for import and export of goods like perishables, specialized commodities, automobiles, machinery and equipment. Bring that message back to your trade folks in your respective countries and share that Port Canaveral is here and ready to serve Central Florida.” Since 2014, the ACE tour has been held in the United States, Argentina, Mexico, and Canada, becoming a catalyst to strengthen hemispheric ties, building on ideas and models that work to promote economic and social development.