The Tampa Port Authority recently welcomed Ambassador Kirk as he toured the Port of Tampa, talked with local executives, and spent time meeting with local small business leaders. The Port of Tampa is Florida's largest cargo tonnage port, spreading over 5,000 acres and supporting over 100,000 jobs. It is the most diversified seaport with a local market of 8 million people within 100 miles. The Port handles multiple types of cargo activity such as bulk cargo, containerized cargo, and other general cargo including project cargo, roll on/roll off and breakbulk. It receives cargo from around the world, and primarily from Mexico, India, Canada, Trinidad, Russia, Japan and Australia.
Ambassador Kirk tours the Port of Tampa
Shipping cargo boats at the Port of Tampa
Cargo crain at the Port of Tampa
Ambassador Kirk tours the Port of Tampa
While at the Port, Ambassador Kirk spoke with local executives about the President's new National Export Initiative and how it can continue to help grow jobs in Florida through the increase of American exports. More than a quarter of a million U.S. firms export goods. In 2007, more than 33,000 of them were in Florida, and more than 31,000 of those were small- or medium-sized firms with fewer than 500 employees. In fact, that same year small- and medium-sized businesses produced nearly two-thirds of Florida's goods exports, the highest percentage of any state.
Exports can be a source of economic recovery and job growth. As Floridians seek out new employment opportunities, export-related work can offer some of the highest-quality, highest-paying jobs - nationally, export-sector jobs pay as much as 18 percent above average. When Floridians expand into the global marketplace, they can bring dollars from around the world back home into their communities.
