DeSantis Welcomes U.K. Official to Florida to Sign Trade Memorandum

The Secretary of State for Business and Trade for the United Kingdom was in the United States on Wednesday, but not to meet with President Joe Biden.

Secretary Kemi Badenoch met with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in Jacksonville to sign a Memorandum of Understanding  (MOU) between the U.K. and Florida.

The governor's office says this will increase trade and bilateral investment, strengthen business ties and grow academic partnerships between Florida and the United Kingdom.

This memorandum follows the Governor’s International Trade Mission to Japan, South Korea, Israel, and the United Kingdom in April of this year where he signed multiple agreements with international companies to expand new and existing business opportunities in Florida.

“Florida is the national leader for business growth and economic development, and today’s MOU signing will continue to ensure our state remains the model for American excellence,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I am honored to stand today with MP Badenoch to strengthen the economic partnership between our state and the United Kingdom.”

"Florida is a major economy in its own right, with a bigger GDP than most European countries. From launching satellites to developing the latest fintech software, Florida's leading high-tech companies offer huge opportunities to the UK's rapidly expanding tech sector," said UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Kemi Badenoch, MP. "Today's signing shows our US state-level strategy is working and delivering for UK firms, giving them a competitive edge in some of the most exciting markets in the world and fundamentally helping to grow the UK economy. I want to thank Governor DeSantis and his team for helping to make this MOU happen."

This memorandum is signed the same day that Moody's Investor Service has affirmed Florida's AAA Credit Rating.

"Today, Moody’s Investor Services affirmed Florida’s AAA credit rating and stable outlook just days after revising the federal government’s outlook from stable to negative," said DeSantis. "While a lack of leadership in Washington has led to a decline in our nation’s fiscal health, Florida remains the standard-bearer for fiscal strength and solvency."