Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who could challenge Donald Trump for his party’s presidential nomination, will visit the U.K. as part of an international trade mission, the representative said. The delegation will also visit Japan, South Korea and Israel.
Although billed as an opportunity in Florida to build economic ties with every country, it would be a shame if the 44-year-old didn’t use the opportunity to boost his leadership credentials ahead of a bitter showdown with Mr Trump. Surprised.
Mr. DeSantis will be joined by his wife, Casey DeSantis, as well as Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd and Secretary of Commerce Laura DiBella.
“Florida has the 15th largest economy in the world because of our state’s ongoing commitment to partnering with other countries to create jobs and grow the economy,” Mr. DeSantis said.
“This trade mission will give us the opportunity to strengthen our economic relationship and continue to demonstrate Florida’s status as an economic leader.
While in the UK, which will be the final stage of a four-country tour that begins in Japan on Saturday, Mr DeSantis will meet business executives from companies with investments in Florida and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.
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The United Kingdom is one of Florida’s most important economic partners, ranking top in the United States for British businesses and tourists. British companies employ 67,000 people in Florida, making the UK the largest foreign investor in the state.
Florida also has a strong tourist relationship with the UK: Last year, more than 1.1 million people visited from the UK, with Brits making up the state’s second-largest group of international visitors.
Gov. DeSantis had previously been leading the race to challenge Mr. Biden but has trailed former President Trump in recent weeks as Republican voters flocked amid the 76-year-old president’s latest high-profile legal troubles And to support him.