Governor Ron DeSantis is set to embark on a pivotal international trade and business development mission to France from Monday, June 16, to Wednesday, June 18. The ambitious trip aims to solidify Florida’s standing as a preeminent global leader in aerospace, aviation, defense, and emerging technologies, while actively seeking to expand foreign investment within the Sunshine State.
A cornerstone of the mission will be Governor DeSantis’s attendance at the 55th International Paris Air Show, a globally recognized event for aerospace innovation. With over 2,500 exhibitors from 48 countries and attracting more than 300,000 visitors annually, the show provides an unparalleled platform for Florida’s cutting-edge capabilities. Over two dozen leading Florida-based companies will be showcasing their advancements in aviation, aerospace, and defense at the event.
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“Our next trade mission delegation is headed to France and the 55th International Paris Air Show,” stated Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida’s focus on manufacturing, aviation, and the space industry already makes it a global leader in aerospace. Our efforts on this trip will be to promote further investment in our state and bring more high-paying jobs to Florida.”
Florida’s economic prowess provides a robust foundation for this outreach. Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly highlighted the state’s economic achievements, noting, “Our presence at the Paris Air Show underscores Florida’s commitment to attracting high-value industries, supporting high-wage job creation, and expanding our global reach. With a $1.7 trillion economy, Florida has been ranked the #1 state economy in the nation for two years in a row, providing a strong foundation for growth in aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing.”
Echoing this sentiment, Secretary of State Cord Byrd emphasized the long-standing ties between Florida and France. “There has never been a better time to invest in the Sunshine State,” Byrd remarked. “From the Age of Exploration to the present, Florida’s longstanding relationship with France is built upon shared values and culture. On this trip we look forward to promoting Florida on the global stage as an international trading partner and the premier destination in the U.S. for investment.”
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Governor DeSantis will be accompanied by a distinguished delegation of state leaders, academic institutions, and industry representatives, including Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly, Florida Secretary of Transportation Jared Perdue, Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd, Space Florida President & CEO Rob Long, University of Central Florida President Alexander Cartwright, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University President Barry Butler.
The delegation also includes representatives from the University of Florida, Florida State University, Florida Institute of Technology, Seminole State College, and numerous Florida economic development organizations and companies spanning the aerospace, defense, manufacturing, transportation, and logistics sectors.
The packed itinerary for the mission includes meetings with dozens of companies across the military, aviation, aerospace, and transportation sectors, multiple project announcements, a Florida-focused business roundtable, a Florida Activation event, a business seminar, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Florida Pavilion. A key objective of the mission is to support 15 Florida-based small and emerging companies participating in the Florida Pavilion, facilitating their access to global markets and potential investment partners.
This crucial trade mission is a collaborative effort, coordinated by SelectFlorida, the state’s international commerce organization, in partnership with FloridaCommerce, underscoring Florida’s strategic commitment to expanding its global economic influence.
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