BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM TO THE STATE OF FLORIDA
Costa Rica is one of the largest Central American markets for Florida goods. Last year, exports of Florida-produced goods and services to Costa Rica totaled $385.72 million, making Costa Rica Florida’s 22nd largest export market. The beneficial results to the State of Florida that are realized through FLORICA’s many cooperative ventures with Costa Rica include, but are not limited to, the following:
The enrollment of Costa Ricans in Florida’s colleges and universities will give Florida an edge when Costa Rican students who have received assistance through the Out-of-State Tuition Exemption program return to their countries with a more thorough background in U.S. culture and business practices, as well as a better understanding of the possibilities for trade and other business ventures between Florida and Costa Rica.
The "Sister Ports" project between the Port of Limon and the Jacksonville Port Authority, which was facilitated by FLORICA, is an outstanding example of cooperation between our two areas, and will increase opportunities for trade and other economic ventures.
The benefits to agriculture and ecology in both Florida and Costa Rica are realized through the sharing of technical advances which will have a significant impact on plans to protect and manage the ecology and natural resources of both countries. Proven projects to demonstrate these advances include "mango disease research", "tubular in vitro research", and "waste management and reduction."
Through our
SALSA-FLORICA Exchange Program, students are exposed to cross-intercultural experiences. As students live with local families, ties between our two states grow ever stronger and meaningful.
Continuing research into practical application of biodegradable packaging to safeguard the ecology, as well as cooperative efforts in the area of agricultural waste management and modern composting practices.
Continued biological research in the Costa Rican rain forest with an emphasis on medicinal plants.
Florida’s students and teachers acquire/deepen Spanish language skills and cross-cultural understanding.
Globally, travel and tourism is the world’s largest industry and the world’s largest generator of jobs. Currently, the U.S. receives more tourism receipts than any other country in the world, and Florida is the top destination state. Accordingly, partnership efforts with FUNDACUNA and the development of student and educator exchange programs will provide the State of Florida with a well-trained, multinational workforce which will promote international tourism and increase international trade, creating additional jobs at ports, trucking companies and other businesses, and fueling growth of headquarters for multinational businesses in Florida.