The DR–Miami-Dade Economics and Investment Opportunities Forum 2025, hosted by the Dominican International Business & Tourism Chamber and Consulate General of the Dominican Republic in Miami, brought together leaders from government, business, and trade to explore new avenues of collaboration between Miami-Dade County and the #DominicanRepublic. ITC Executive Director Gerard Philippeaux participated in Panel 1 alongside Miami-Dade County Senior Advisor for Economic Opportunity Manny Cid, Miami-Dade Beacon Council Vice President of Business Development Nidia Martinez Quezada, and Miami International Airport Section Chief for Cargo Development Dimitrios Jimmy Nares. In this exchange on the current state and future outlook of trade, Mr. Philippeaux underscored Miami-Dade’s $8.1B trade relationship with the Dominican Republic, emphasized Miami-Dade’s unique role as the Global Gateway, and highlighted how the Dominican Republic is well-positioned to benefit from nearshoring as long as it continues to strengthen its infrastructure. He also spoke about the importance of logistics modernization, digital trade, and expanding opportunities for small businesses to participate in international commerce. The discussion also addressed how ITC connects Miami-Dade businesses with international partners, the role of infrastructure such as PortMiami and Miami International Airport in sustaining growth, and how bilateral cooperation can unlock new investment opportunities. Following Panel 1, Mr. Philippeaux was invited to continue contributing to Panel 2, where the dialogue turned to supply chain resilience, cargo development, and investment in aviation and maritime trade. Drawing on his background in seaport strategy and intergovernmental affairs, he emphasized that nearshoring will thrive only if both Miami-Dade and the Dominican Republic continue to invest strategically in their ports, airports, and logistics networks. The ITC’s participation at the Forum reflects its mission to champion Miami-Dade’s role as the #GlobalGateway while fostering enduring and mutually beneficial ties with the Dominican Republic. We also extend a thanks to Grant Miller of Miami's Community Newspapers for reporting on this event: https://lnkd.in/eH8w_VSR
