Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for Scotland, welcomed DeSantis to discuss issues such as Atlantic exports and space exploration as part of the Select Florida trade delegation.
Ties between Scotland and Florida were bolstered over the summer as the Scotland Men’s National Team played Brazil in Miami, while the Tartan Army travelled to the Sunshine State in their thousands.
Alexander welcomed DeSantis at a reception at the Johnny Walker Experience in Edinburgh on Wednesday to discuss the potential for partnership and economic growth.
Secretary of State Douglas Alexander and Governor Ron DeSantis.
Exports from the UK to Florida reached $3b in 2024, with the potential for strong relations to continue as President Donald Trump announced zero tariffs on whisky in April.
Douglas Alexander said: “The friendship between Scotland and Florida was clear to see over recent weeks when the Tartan Army was welcomed to Miami during the World Cup. That connection can now continue to grow with the endless opportunities for partnership.
“From technology and tourism, to professional services and produce, there is great potential for economic and skills growth on both sides of the Atlantic. Discussing the shared interests Scotland and Florida have with Governor DeSantis was a great chance to cement the relationship with the US State.”
The UK has also secured a 10% tariff for autos within quota with the United States and are the only country to do this. This relationship is expected to save hundreds of millions of pounds on UK exports and to protect hundreds of thousand of jobs.
He continued: “The Select Florida delegation are getting the chance to experience the best Scotland has to offer and I hope that’s only a taster of what could lie ahead for economic and cultural partnerships between the two.”
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