Broward County Commissioners will welcome world leaders and those seeking to do global business to the 2018 Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE) October 17-18 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center.
Prime Minister of Democratic Republic of Congo
The Prime Minister, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), His Excellency Bruno Tshibala, will serve as a panelist on the World Leaders & Former Presidents Panel: Opening Horizons to New Market Opportunities on Day 1 of the Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE).
The panel, sponsored by Florida Power & Light (FPL) and Delta Airlines, the official conference airline for FITCE 2018, is expected to be standing room only as the Prime Minister provides insight on the vast economic opportunities available in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the continent of Africa as a whole. Mr. Tshibala has served as Prime Minister since 2017.
African consumer spending is expected to double to $1 trillion by 2020, according to a 2014 Wall Street Journal report. The report also cites Africa’s buying power will include $200 billion in discretionary spending by 2020 and that by 2050 Africa’s labor force will be the largest in the world with a prediction of 1.3 billion people.
“Having his Excellency Bruno Tshibala at FITCE is a major milestone for our program, this is his first trip to the United States and we are honored that FITCE will be a part of that experience”, said Broward County Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness.
The DRC has a population of over 78 million and is a major exporter of coltan which is a main source of tantalum, which is used in the fabrication of electronic components in computers and mobile phones.
DRC is also an importer of machinery, transportation equipment, food, and fuel, so there are plenty of opportunities for DRC and Broward County to do major trade. In fact, three of our participating countries from Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, and Morocco, are top 100 trade partners with $0.07 billion total.
Delegates from Algeria, Egypt, Gambia
“We are also very excited to have delegations from Algeria, Egypt, and Gambia at FITCE this year, our guests from Africa will stay at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, the official conference hotel for FITCE. We have had a partnership with the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina for four years, and the Hilton brand has a strong presence on the continent of Africa with 28 hotels, each year FITCE grows and we are pleased to have global partners and sponsors of this magnitude” said Commissioner Holness.
The World Leaders & Former Presidents Panel: Opening Horizons to New Market Opportunities is from 1pm to 2:25pm, on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 and is hosted by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Presidents of Panama and Guatemala
In addition to His Excellency Bruno Tshibala, the panel will include His Excellency Nicolás Ardito Barletta Vallarino, Former President of Panama (1984-1985), and His Excellency Vinicio Cerezo, Former President of Guatemala (1986-1991).
FITCE 2018 will provide local and international companies a unique opportunity to engage with high level government leaders, international trade experts and delegations from around the world to participate in dialogues relating to international trade, foreign direct investment, and culture.
This year representatives from 54 countries, over 200 exhibitors, and hundreds of local and international businesses will participate.
FITCE 2018 Program Event Features
- American and International Buyers Panel
- How to Import into the USA
- How to Bring Your Business to the USA
- World Expo Marketplace- visit and network with local and international exhibitors, and much more!
- Speed Matchmaking with Country Representatives
- Networking Cocktail Receptions / Cultural Experiences.
