This week, I led a seven-day trade mission overseas to Florida's eighth largest trading partner and fourth largest foreign investor - the United Kingdom (U.K.). 125 of Florida's business and economic development leaders participated in this "Team Florida" mission to promote Florida exports, encourage greater foreign investment in the Sunshine State, and emphasize our strategic geographic location as the Gateway of the Americas.
On Monday, I officially opened the Florida Pavilion at Farnborough International 2002, Europe's second largest aviation and aerospace trade show. At the 2000 biannual show, Florida companies walked away with $29 million in expected sales and $11.5 million in distribution agreements. Our meetings with European companies at this year's show went very well, and I expect future business relationships to grow because of our attendance.
On Wednesday, I joined representatives from Florida-based Citrix Systems, Inc. at the grand opening of the company's Northern European headquarters in Buckinghamshire. As a leading global technology company, Citrix is doing much to further the spirit of innovation that exists in Europe and in Florida. This headquarters will help to continue Florida's influence as a major player in the global economy.
Finally in London, I joined educators from the University of Miami and Britain's Cardiff University to announce a strategic partnership between these two prestigious institutions. This partnership will serve to promote joint research on engineering and information technology projects, joint grants, research faculty exchanges and student exchanges.
Thanks so much for your continued support.
Sincerely, Jeb Bush
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