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Senate Resolution

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A resolution reaffirming the bonds of friendship,

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cooperation, and economic exchange between the State of

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Florida and Colombia.

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     WHEREAS, Florida, the United States' seventh-largest

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exporter in 2006, with goods exports totaling $38.5 billion, has

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a global reputation as a gateway to the Americas and has a vital

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stake in global markets, and

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     WHEREAS, Florida, with a global reputation as a gateway to

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the Americas and a significant resident population from Latin

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America, including more than 150,000 from Colombia, is visited by

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over a quarter of a million Colombians annually, who contributed

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$321 million to the state's economy in 2006 alone, and

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     WHEREAS, in 2006, Florida's exports to Colombia accounted

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for 23 percent of total United States' exports to that country,

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and

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     WHEREAS, goods exports from Florida increased by over 15

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percent in 2006, leading to the gross domestic product growth of

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4.2 percent, totaling $38.5 billion, representing 5.4 percent of

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Florida's gross domestic product, and

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     WHEREAS, in 2007, Florida-origin exports to Colombia

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surpassed $2 billion, increasing by 31 percent over the previous

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year, and

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     WHEREAS, agricultural exports, service exports, foreign

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investment, and imports all contribute significantly to Florida's

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economy and employment base, and Colombia is a significant

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contributor, and

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     WHEREAS, according to the United States Department of

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Agriculture, Florida's agricultural exports, including exports of

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fruits, vegetables, beef, sugar, and dairy products to Colombia,

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reached $1.7 billion in 2006, supporting 20,100 jobs throughout

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the state, both on and off farmlands, and

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     WHEREAS, Florida has benefited greatly from its economic

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and other exchanges with Colombia and hopes to continue its

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long-standing relationship between the residents of this state

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and the people of Colombia, NOW, THEREFORE,

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Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:

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     That the Florida Senate reaffirms the bonds of friendship

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and cooperation that have existed between the State of Florida

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and Colombia, recognizes the strong economic ties between the

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State of Florida and Colombia, and extends best wishes to

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Colombia and her people for a peaceful, prosperous, and

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successful future.