The Imperative of International Trade for South Florida

  • June 5, 2024

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Global trade is the key to South Florida´s economy. This agency helps maintain it opinion.

By Ivan Barrios

As we wind down the celebration of World Trade Month this May, it is appropriate that we reflect on the pivotal role that international trade plays in shaping the economic landscape of South Florida. From the bustling ports of Miami to the diverse array of businesses that call our region home, the trade industry stands as a cornerstone of prosperity for our community.

South Florida’s economy has long been intertwined with global trade, benefiting from its strategic location as a gateway to the Americas and beyond. The trade industry drives economic growth and fosters cultural exchange, innovation, and job creation within our community.

Miami, with its world-class logistical infrastructure and thriving ports serve as a vital link in the global supply chain, facilitating the movement of goods and services to and from destinations worldwide.

The trade industry, however, faces a myriad of challenges and uncertainties that require our collective attention. From geopolitical tensions to supply chain disruptions, the landscape of international trade is constantly evolving, presenting both opportunities and obstacles for businesses in South Florida.

As we confront these challenges, it is crucial that we remain vigilant, adaptable, and proactive in our efforts to safeguard and promote the interests of our region’s trade community. In particular, we must recognize the value and importance of nurturing strong trade relationships and providing export assistance to our small and medium-sized export companies, which are crucial to propelling our region’s industry forward.

At the World Trade Center Miami, we are committed to empowering local businesses of all sizes to seize global opportunities and expand their footprint in international markets. The WTCM staff has over 100 years of export expertise assisting small and medium-sized companies export. By providing a platform for trade shows, networking, education and advocacy, we strive to bridge the gap between Miami companies and the global marketplace, unlocking new horizons for growth and success.

The World Trade Center Miami, as part of the global World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) network, has been the voice for our city’s trade business for nearly 40 years. The WTCA network promotes global trade and investment opportunities through its unmatched international connections and supporting trade services.

This global network, encompassing more than 300 World Trade Centers in nearly 100 countries, supports over 1 million affiliated businesses worldwide. Our mission is to help our cities stay ahead of the global trade industry changes and help member businesses remain poised to adapt and succeed.

The value of the trade industry cannot be understated, with trade-related activities accounting for a significant portion of South Florida’s economy. Trade through Miami International Airport and PortMiami is crucial in driving economic activity, generating billions of dollars in revenue, and supporting countless jobs in our region.

The World Trade Center Miami plays a pivotal role in fostering global business opportunities for Miami companies, serving as a catalyst for economic development and innovation.

As we look to the future, it is essential that we continue to champion international trade and advocate for policies that promote a vibrant and sustainable trade ecosystem in South Florida. By investing in infrastructure, talent development, and trade promotion initiatives, we can position our region as a global leader in trade and commerce, attracting investment, creating jobs, and driving economic prosperity for years to come.
Let us embrace the spirit of World Trade Month as an opportunity to reaffirm our community’s commitment to the trade industry and its vital role in shaping the future of South Florida.

The World Trade Center Miami stands ready to empower Miami companies on their journey to global success. I am confident that together, we can chart a course toward a brighter future for our community through the power of international trade.

Ivan Barrios is the president and CEO of World Trade Center (WTC) Miami and serves as a Board Member of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA). To learn more, visit: https://www.wtcmiami.org/.

 

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Ivan Barrios - President and CEO

Ivan Barrios

President & CEO

Ivan Barrios is the President/CEO of the World Trade Center Miami. Ivan has served in this role since January 2020.

He most recently worked as Vice President for International Trade Development & TEAM Florida missions at Enterprise Florida, Inc., the state of Florida’s official economic development agency. He managed a statewide team of trade specialists that assisted Florida companies to export their products and services overseas.

Ivan has organized 28 Governor led trade missions to 22 countries from 1999–2015 for three governors. Special projects included 3,000 one-on-one business matchmaking appointments for exporters, managing two hemispheric trade shows, producing and publishing five Florida International Trade and Services Directories, coordinating the activities of the Florida International Bankers Association and creating the Florida Trade Data Center, a first of its kind information hub for Florida exporters.

Ivan holds a position on the Board of Directors of the World Trade Centers Association, where he represents the North American region. His extensive experience includes serving as a board member for the South Florida District Export Council and the Miami-Dade County International Trade Consortium. Ivan is an alumnus of the University of Miami, where he earned his degree in Business Administration.

Alice Ancona

Chief Operating Officer
Alice Ancona has held this role since January 2020.  She is charged with boosting organizational resilience and value creation of the operations, events, strategic programing, marketing and trade shows of the World Trade Center Miami (WTCM). With over two decades of experience, she brings a wealth of expertise to her position. In addition, she is charged with creating and executing international trade programs, trade missions, economic development initiatives, advocacy efforts, and innovative revenue-generating solutions as well as providing strategic long-term planning for the organization.
Before joining WTCM, Ms. Ancona led the international endeavors of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, serving as a prominent advocate for policies that enhance international trade, logistics, and investments. Her efforts centered on removing trade barriers, expanding market access, facilitating exports, negotiating trade agreements, and strengthening Florida’s trade infrastructure. Ms. Ancona played a pivotal role in connecting Florida to the global trade arena, facilitating relationships with international stakeholders, foreign agencies, elected officials, member companies, and governmental bodies at the state and federal levels.
Prior to her work at the Florida Chamber, Ms. Ancona spearheaded the governmental affairs division at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. In this capacity, she directed policy agendas on a diverse range of issues, including trade, infrastructure investment, transportation, and workforce development. Her accomplishments include leading successful campaigns for the passage of crucial trade agreements, such as the Colombia FTA, DR-CAFTA, Panama FTA, Chile FTA, and KORUS. She also contributed to efforts to secure the Free Trade Areas of the Americas.
Ms. Ancona’s contributions extend beyond her professional roles.  She is a recognized thought leader and speaker at industry conferences, providing insights on global market dynamics, trade policy, and cross-border strategies. She has actively participated in various steering committees for Florida’s transportation planning initiatives and has been an active member of the Florida International Trade Partnership. Her involvement also includes serving on the Board of the Miami Dade County International Trade Consortium. Her dedication and achievements have earned her recognition, including the 2014 International Women’s Day Award from World Trade Center Miami, the 2015 Person of the Year designation by the Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association, Inc., and the 2016 Women of Distinction Award from the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce.