Global Miami December 2023

TRENDS

TRANSACTIONS

REGIONAL HQS

TRADE LEADERS

INVESTMENTS

ENTREPRENEURS

GLOBALMIAMI DECEMBER 2023

Inside Miami’s Consular Corps

INVESTMENT, INNOVATION & TRADE

PLUS IRISH TRADEWINDS BILLIONAIRE REAL ESTATE TAIWAN’S MIAMI BIOTECH SPECIAL REPORT: BARRANQUILLA

Nabil Achkar, Secretary of the Consular Corps of Miami

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Clinical Research Trials for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatments Participation Can Make a Difference in Your Life and the Lives of Others

T

he Frank C. and Lynn Scaduto MIND Institute at Miami Jewish Health is unique in its position as a state-designated memory disorder clinic (MDC) and clinical research site. The team is led by Dr. Marc Agronin, Chief Medical Officer and board-certified adult and geriatric psychiatrist.

Dr. Agronin is a prolific researcher, with significant experience overseeing clinical research trials for Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics. “Here at MIND Institute, we’ve studied every major experimental agent that’s been developed for Alzheimer’s disease over the past 24 years,” he says. “That includes all of the new immunotherapies that have the potential to change the course of this illness.”

Alzheimer’s Disease and the Brain There are two abnormal proteins, amyloid beta and tau, that appear in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients and impact the health of and connections among brain cells or neurons.

Alzheimer’s disease impacts tens of millions of people worldwide, up to 70% of whom are over age 65. Close to 50% of people aged 85 are estimated to have Alzheimer’s disease.

Amyloid beta forms plaques on the outside of neurons, while tau creates “tangles” inside the neurons. These disruptions cause memory loss and other forms of neurocognitive impairment. Other contributing factors include inflammation, oxidative stress, decreased brain metabolism and vascular conditions like high blood pressure and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

The Urgent Need for a Cure “Alzheimer’s disease affects every single family across the generations. Everyone ages and we will all be at risk at some point,” states Dr. Agronin. “As a clinical research site, MIND Institute is looking for a cure.”

Research at MIND Institute is particularly focused on immunotherapies that can help a person’s own immune system get rid of toxic proteins. Immunotherapies use synthetic peptides or monoclonal antibodies that target amyloid beta or tau. The antibodies signal certain immune cells to absorb and digest the proteins and remove them from the brain. Two FDA-approved immunotherapies have been shown to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s in early stages of the disease. Other therapies under study aim to prevent the toxic proteins from clumping together, improve brain metabolism, or protect neurons from excess damage.

Alzheimer’s Disease Clinical Research Trials at MIND Institute MIND Institute is studying new pharmaceutical treatments and enabling continued learning about Alzheimer’s disease.

Several clinical research trials are underway now, with participation opportunities for people who meet study criteria.

“

“We are looking at different treatment approaches,” says Dr. Agronin. “Some aim for symptomatic improvement while others seek to actually modify the disease and slow its progression. A third approach targets Alzheimer-associated neurocognitive symptoms such as agitation or apathy.”

Joining an Alzheimer’s disease clinical research trial is an opportunity to get access to the latest treatments. Clinical research trials take place at MIND Institute and pay a small stipend. Participants work closely with researchers and receive comprehensive care throughout their clinical research trial.

To qualify, participants must have mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, be aged 50-90+ and have an involved caregiver.

Creating Hope Through Innovation By joining a clinical research trial, patients and their families can gain a deeper understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and its mechanisms and management. Each individual’s contribution brings us one step closer to finding a cure.

It’s important for people to understand that without these clinical research studies, we will never make any progress in Alzheimer’s disease.

”

DR. MARC AGRONIN, CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER FRANK C. AND LYNN SCADUTO MIND INSTITUTE

Learn more about the clinical research trials and other breakthrough programs at the Frank C. and Lynn Scaduto MIND Institute at Miami Jewish Health.

See us online at MiamiJewishHealth.org/MINDInstitute or call 305.704.7894.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

DECEMBER 2023 DEPARTMENTS 10 PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Near Shoring Changing the Game

12 TRANSACTIONS

Trade & Business News in Miami

14 TRADE WINDS

Trade Between Ireland and Miami

18 CONSULAR CORP

14

Consul General Sarah Kavanagh

20 TRADE STATS

Fish Fillet Import Stats

22 TRADE DEALS

U.K.'s Free Trade with Florida

24 MARITIME

Miami's high-end marine lifestyle

26 FUNDRAISING

Looking for Cash at Biohunt

28 BIOTECH

Healing Products From Taiwan

30 TRADE SHOWS

Americas Food & Beverage Show

32 BEVERAGES

The Growing Market for Mezcal

24

34 REAL ESTATE

The New Billionaire's Playground

36 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

International Arbitration Week

38 INVESTING

The World Strategic Forum

40 MARKETING

Zen and the Art of Digital Marketing

91 AFTER HOURS

Midtown's Iconic Rum & Raw Bar

92 FINE DINING

Seafood is Elevated to New Heights

94 PROPERTIES

Homes that say "Anyone for Tennis?"

96 TALK

LATAM should look to Taipei

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92 GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

VOL 1. ISSUE 10 FEATURES

44

SPECIAL REPORT: THE MIAMI CONSULAR CORP A special report on the diplomatic and trade representatives who connect Miami with the globe. Ever since U.S. President Coolidge said that “The business of America is business,” it’s often been said that commercial events occupy a major portion of what a consulate does, not just in Miami but in communities throughout the fifty states. So, is there any way the impact of these foreign officials on Miami can truly be determined?

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SPECIAL REPORT: BARRANQUILLA This tropical city off the Caribbean coast is best known overseas for its cultural and sports treasures. Now, the port city is building a reputation as a hub for “nearshoring,” both in manufacturing for U.S. sales and in call-centers for U.S. clients. Colombia’s fourth largest metro area by population, Barranquilla is leveraging its location as the country’s biggest city closest to the U.S. It’s just 2.5 hours by air from Miami.

8

GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

PUBLISHER

Richard Roffman EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

J.P. Faber

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Gail Feldman

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT INTERNATIONAL

Manny Mencia

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Changing the Game O ver the past few years, we have witnessed myriad changes in the way we do business. Internet sales have exploded.

Delivery systems have been revamped to reflect, in some cases, same day delivery – certainly overnight shipping. Tracking numbers are now the standard for confirming orders. In short, the very definition of a shipper has changed to the point that we’re all shippers: placing and confirming orders, providing payment solutions (a new term), and ultimately tracking and managing the delivery of our purchases. We’re all part of the delivery system, in a truly “hands on” environment. The closest analogy I can think of is the “self-service” gas station where we now pump our own fuel, eliminating the phrase: “Fill it up and check the oil.” Those days are gone.

The point is this. The average consumer is now an independent part of the supply chain–another new term, relevant to international trade, that has gone “main street.”

Our active vocabulary now includes words once reserved for your local FedEx, DHS or UPS logistics supplier.

Now, factor in the recent pandemic, when systems for manufacturing, shipping, and distribution all fell victim to the slowdown and shutdown of various economies.

Products weren’t made. Items weren’t shipped. Ships couldn't even dock at major ports and remained literally offshore. The whole global supply system fell victim to an overextended supply chain (another new term) that was much more vulnerable than anyone suspected. And we all felt the results: cars not available for purchase; appliances

purchased but with distant delivery dates.

Even baby food disappeared from shelves.

The conclusion: We can’t continue to manufacture and ship products from Asia or China and wait six to eight weeks for delivery. The pain is too real. The solution: Another new term, “near shoring,” which means making the products we need much closer to home. In other words, stay within your hemisphere.

This issue includes a special report on the city of Barranquilla, Colombia, where the public and private sectors are working hard to create a logistics and manufacturing center for the Americas, bringing the supply chain closer to home. Barranquilla has all the necessary attributes of near shoring: proximity to the U.S., manufacturing capability with free zones, and linked by a vibrant airport and two seaports.

The benefits for Barranquilla’s success are not just the uplifting of its local economy. It’s also a benefit to Miami and South Florida. Trade from this burgeoning city enters Miami for trans-shipment throughout North America. The big picture: As David Blumberg notes in our story about alternative investments for the new economy, the Western Hemisphere has everything it needs – natural resources, manufacturing capabilities, capital markets, new technology, and the rule of law. With trade synergies like the ones with Barranquilla, the 21st century belongs to us.

RICHARD ROFFMAN PUBLISHER GLOBAL MIAMI MAGAZINE

10

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Alice Ancona, World Trade Center Miami Greg Chin, Miami International Airport Tiffany Comprés, FisherBroyles Paul Griebel, Venture for America James Kohnstamm, Beacon Council John Price, Americas Market Intelligence TJ Villamil, Select Florida Global Miami Magazine is published monthly by Global Cities Media, LLC. 1200 Anastasia Ave., Suite 217, Coral Gables, FL 33134. Telephone: (305) 452-0501. Copyright 2023 by Global Cities Media.

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T R A N S AC T I O N S

Recent Transactions in Greater Miami Affecting Global Trade and Investment

MOVING TO MIAMI: JEFF BEZOS

HOSPITALITY GROUP MOVES

Noble 33 announced that is was moving its global headquarters to Miami from Los Angeles, with plans to hire 700 by 2025. The hospitality group will also open four new restaurants next year as part of its South Florida expansion. Noble 33 has restaurants in London, LA, Las Vegas, New York, Toronto, and Arizona.

COOLEY LAUNCH

International law firm Cooley has opened an office in Miami, making it the firm’s 19th global office. Cooley’s new Miami location will support companies and their investors based in Florida and Latin America. Cooley currently has almost 1,400 lawyers across 18 offices in the U.S., Asia and Europe.

moving to Miami after living in Seattle for 29 years. Bezos, above, wants to be near his parents and closer to some operations of his space company, Blue Origin. Bezos, who graduated high school in South Florida, has already bought three multi-million-dollar homes in the area (see Real Estate story pg. 34).

MEXICAN COMPANY ACQUIRED

Miami-based private equity firm H.I.G. Capital, managing $60 billion in assets, has acquired Suministro de Especialidades, a Mexican thermoplastic distributor, through its portfolio company, Formerra.

The financial details remain undisclosed.

DOMINICAN BANKING

UBER’S PUSH FOR E-CARS

The Dominican Republic’s Banreservas has opened an office in Miami’s Brickell Financial District, extending its services to Dominicans overseas. The Miami branch is the third expansion abroad for Banreservas, joining its New York and Madrid branches.

Uber launched its ‘Global Platform Incentives and Facilities Program’ in Miami to encourage drivers to change their vehicles to electric ones. For every trip they take in a zero-emission vehicle, drivers will receive an additional dollar as well as incentives of up to $1,000 for buying an e-vehicle.

AUSTRIAN COMPANY IN MIAMI

F/List, an Austrian producer of residential, commercial, and aviation interiors, has opened two facilities in Broward County. One location is a showroom for homes and businesses; the other will be used as a workshop to deliver products to private jet clients at Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport.

BEZOS MOVES TO MIAMI

SCANDINAVIAN FLIGHTS

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos announced on Instagram that he will be Scandinavian Airlines has begun flying non-stop flights between 12

GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

Scandinavia and Miami. Miami-Copenhagen flights now run five times a week. Miami-Stockholm runs twice weekly.

COLOMBIAN BANKING

Miami, has launched its corporate learning solution, Open English Business, in Vietnam to boost English-language proficiency in Vietnam’s workforce.

Colombian wealth and asset firm Alianza Corp. has opened a registered investment advisor (RIA) office in Miami to provide its clients with offshore management services.

NEW ROUTES TO MEXICO

On March 28, 2024, American Airlines will launch service to Tulum’s new Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO). The airline will operate daily flights from Miami with a 737 aircraft.

AIR TAXI SERVICE IN MIAMI

Global Crossings Airline Group announced that it will launch UrbanX in Miami by the end of the decade, a subsidiary that will use small electric aircraft to transport commuters short distances in urban and suburban areas.

PERUVIAN BEAUTY

2024 COPA FINAL IN MIAMI

Next summer, the final match of the 2024 Copa America Tournament will be held at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on July 14th. Copa America features all 10 national teams from South America: Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

NEW AMERICAS BUYOUT FUND

Belcorp, a beauty and healthcare company, will move into a Brickell office in 2024. Based in Lima, Peru, Belcorp operates in 14 countries and employs around 7,500 people. 20 c-suite executives will be based in Miami.

AI FOR IMMIGRANTS

Leap Financial, a Miami-based financial services tech company, has launched Lola4i.com, an AI assistant that coaches newly arrived immigrants to the U.S. and next-gens to help them navigate the U.S. banking system.

Miami-based Grupo Romero Asset Management, the investment arm of Peru’s Grupo Romero, has partnered with global investment firm Carlyle to bring on their LatAm team to launch a buyout fund for the Americas.

TRADE MISSION TO JAPAN

MAGELLAN AI ACQUIRED

MAGELLAN CEO PIERCE BREHAM

Listo Global, a provider of recruitment and payroll management services, acquired Magellan AI, a Miami-based firm that provides a platform for companies to connect with overseas providers of services like coding and software engineering.

GLOBAL ENGLISH LEARNING

Open English, a global English-learning platform headquartered in

CONSUL KAZUHIRO NAKAI

Almost 60 Miami-Dade County officials and business representatives were on a trade mission to Japan hosted by Japan’s consul general in Miami, Kazuhiro Nakai. From Nov. 25 to Dec 6., county Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, County Aviation Director Ralph Cutié, representatives from PortMiami, and private business leaders were there to expand trade and investment.

DOWNTOWN LEASING

Citigroup Center, an 810,000 sq ft tower in Downtown Miami and the second-largest Class A office building in Florida, has announced that it executed 38,731sq ft of leasing agreements. The agreements include six new tenants and two lease renewals. Four of the new tenants are international companies. l 13

TR ADE WINDS

The Irish Connection

A NEW GLOBAL PUSH BY IRELAND COULD MEAN MORE TWO-WAY TRADE AND INVESTMENT

W

BY DOREEN HEMLOCK

hen Miami software company Kaseya was looking to open an office in Europe in the mid-2010s, it opted to join a host of global tech ventures in Ireland and set up in Dublin. Today, Kaseya employs more than 150 people at its European hub in the Irish capital. It also has 100-plus staffers in an engineering center in coastal Dundalk, with plans to employ at least 1,000 people in Ireland by 2026.

South Florida’s e-commerce platform Wynshop is also growing in the Republic of Ireland. Wynshop now employs 60 people there, after buying an Irish venture that featured developers skilled in online grocery sales. Wynshop finds Ireland welcoming, with quality tech education and ample business incentives.

Little wonder then that Ireland recently opened a consulate in Miami, with Consul General Sarah Kavanagh (see interview pg. 18) helping court more South Florida companies to consider her nation of five million residents as a portal for business in the European Union and beyond. IDA Ireland, Ireland’s inward investment and development agency, is also stepping up activity in greater Miami. It even hosted its first booth at the eMerge Americas tech conference

14

LEFT: SARAH KAVANAGH, CONSUL GENERAL TOP: MIAMI SOFTWARE COMPANY KASEYA ABOVE: IRISH CONSULATE OPENING WITH MAYOR SUAREZ (LEFT), THE IRISH PRIME MINISTER (CENTER) AND SARAH KAVANAGH (RIGHT)

earlier this year, touting Ireland’s varied offerings, from training grants to tax credits for research. “Miami is the gateway to Latin America, and Ireland is the gateway to the European Union. I really see that similarity,” says Consul General Kavanagh, who took up her post in October 2022 and formally inaugurated her office this September during the historic Miami visit of Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s “taoiseach” or prime minister.

Miami is the gateway to Latin America, and Ireland is the gateway to the European Union. I really see that similarity.

SARAH KAVANAGH, CONSUL GENERAL

A HUB FOR TECH AND LIFE-SCIENCES

For many in the U.S., Ireland is best known for Guinness stout, whiskey, green valleys, folklore, and emigration to the states, especially in 1800s. But in recent decades, the country has become a vibrant technology and life-sciences hub, often ranked among the top destinations worldwide for foreign direct investment by U.S. tech companies. The list of U.S. tech giants operating in Ireland now includes Google, Apple, Microsoft, IBM, Intel, Salesforce, Dell, and Kaseya. And the roster of life sciences companies in Ireland reads like a global who’s who, including Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Sanofi, Takeda, and AstraZeneca. In all, more than 1,700 multinationals in diverse GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

IRISH COMPANIES IN MIAMI - A SAMPLER: FEXCO.............. Financial Services & Technology URBAN VOLT... Innovative Solar Energy EVERSEEN...... Visual AI Research & Innovation Center AVVIO........... Software Solutions for Hotels TITANHQ.......... Cybersecurity Specialists SNAPFIX.......... Building Maintenance Software FENERGO......... Financial Compliance Software TAOGLAS......... Antenna and RF Components (Broward)

IRISH COMPANIES IN FLORIDA - A SAMPLER:

Ireland’s openness to investment, ease of doing business and talented workforce are among our core strengths.

CATHERINA BLEWITT, IDA IRELAND’S VICE PRESIDENT FOR TECHNOLOGY

sectors have operations in Ireland, employing 300,000-plus people, says IDA Ireland.

Ireland began attracting multinationals decades back by offering scant corporate tax rates. The country became a low-tax hub for exports to the European Union (EU), now a 27-member group that tops 440 million residents. Over time, the draw has expanded beyond tax breaks. Ireland increasingly entices investors with its educated workforce and targeted incentives, sometimes linked to high-skill jobs. The country now has more people ages 25-34 with post-secondary education than the EU average: 62 percent, vs 42 percent. And it has the highest per-capita rate in all the EU of folks in their 20s who have graduated in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), says IDA Ireland. “One differentiator for us is our education system, no doubt about it,” says Consul General Kavanagh.

English as its first language also draws foreign investors, especially U.S. companies. Now that the United Kingdom has exited the European Union, “Ireland is the largest English-speaking member country in the EU, and that’s an important selling point for us,” says Catherina Blewitt, IDA Ireland’s vice president for technology at its office in Atlanta, which serves seven states including Florida. She led Ireland’s booth at the eMerge Americas conference this spring in Miami Beach. “Ireland’s openness to investment, ease of doing business

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109 locations in Florida

MIAMI-IRELAND TRADE* MIAMI EXPORTS TO IRELAND 2023: GROWTH YTD 2022: AIRCRAFT PARTS: NUCLEIC ACIDS: PACKAGED MEDICATIONS: ESSENTIAL OILS: SCENTED MIXTURES:

$144M** 26.5% $58.8M $23.8M $13.2M $9.25M $7.62M

MIAMI IMPORTS FROM IRELAND 2023: $179M** GROWTH YTD 2022: -55.6% INTEGRATED CIRCUITS: $73M COMMODITIES (NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED): $29M HARD LIQUOR: $15.3M BEER: $14M OPTICAL FIBERS (OPTICAL FIBER BUNDLES): $7.82M *Figures for the Miami Customs District **2023 figures are through August 15

TR ADE WINDS

and talented workforce are among our core strengths,” says Blewitt.

That helps explain why Kaseya is expanding in Ireland after searching worldwide to locate a “Center of Excellence” for engineering and technical support. It chose Dundalk in 2022 because of skilled talent and Ireland’s incentives. “Dundalk will be the heart of our EMEA [Europe-Middle East-Africa] technical support operation,” says Chief Operating Officer Joe Smolarski, “but also in follow-the-sun, after-hours support for other regions as well.”

600

TOTAL BILATERAL TRADE 2023: $323M* $517M

500

$482.6M

MILLIONS

400 $323M* 300 $221M

$212.9M

200

100

CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER CHRIS ZINGO OF DUBLIN-BASED FENERGO

tomers” in 60-plus nations. Fenergo launched its Miami innovation hub this year to expand its client base to mid-sized firms across the Americas, offering software-as-a-service. Its Miami office now 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023* employs eight and aims to double staff in the coming months, says Figures for the Miami Customs District. *2023 figures are through August Chief Revenue Officer Chris Zingo.

“Miami is very similar to Dublin as a platform for corporate WHY WYNSHOP IS GROWING IN IRELAND clients who want to serve a regional market” with Dublin looking to For Jason Williams, President and Chief Financial Officer at Wyn- Europe and Miami to Latin America, says Zingo. Both cities are also shop, Ireland has been an unexpected opportunity, both for talent business-friendly, he says, and feature “hard-working, customer-cenand sales. Williams and his partners are software veterans who scale tric, passionate people.” Fenergo joins such Irish companies in greater up tech ventures. For one of their units they bought an Irish e-com- Miami as Fexco, Everseen, Urban Volt, Snapfix and TitanHQ. merce company in 2018. That company happened to have expertise Ireland also has been boosting exports to Florida, mainly in in online grocery sales. When COVID-19 hit, the partners ramped pharmaceuticals and electronics. In 2022, Ireland’s direct merup that specialty and formed Wynshop. Their Irish staff built the chandise exports to Florida rose to $5.6 billion, dwarfing the $131 e-platform for grocery stores worldwide. million in goods Florida shipped to Ireland. Most of this trade Fort Lauderdale-based Wynshop now employs about 180 passes through the Port of Tampa, but trade with Miami is growing, people globally, with 40 in South Florida, 40 in Toronto, and 60 in crossing a half billion dollars last year.

Ireland, the rest scattered in varied locales, says Williams. “What we The two-way links extend to education as well. The University found in Ireland is a team of very skilled individuals. The common of Galway recently teamed up with Florida International University English language definitely made it easier to grow,” says Williams. to send students pursuing master’s degrees in business to visit one an“And because we had a presence there, we landed two of the top other’s campuses and meet with multinational executives in each area. three grocers in Ireland as Wynshop clients. It’s not just a tech “This is an exciting opportunity for our respective students center. It’s a market opportunity for us.” to develop global mindsets and experience the social, cultural, and Williams finds doing business in Ireland easier than in some economic aspects of international business,” said Dr. Denise Holother European nations. “They are more open and inclusive. You have land, director of the master’s program in international business at a number of people immigrating into Ireland from other parts of the University of Galway, in announcing the collaboration.

EU, which gives it this unique culture,” Williams says. “The challenge One weakness for business, however, is limited airlinks. Ireis that it is a small country, and sometimes you’re competing with a lot land’s Aer Lingus flies direct to Orlando all year, but to Miami only of tech companies for a limited pool of skilled employees.” during the winter season, focusing more on Irish tourists seeking sunshine than business travelers. Florida executives often reach IRISH INVESTMENT IN MIAMI AND FLORIDA TRADE Dublin by connecting through airports in the U.S. Northeast.

Ireland’s prowess in tech and manufacturing means rising investConsul General Kavanagh hopes growing awareness of Ireland ment in South Florida and additional trade with the state as well. and increased Miami-Ireland business will encourage more flights.

More Irish tech companies are joining Miami’s tech community, Ireland’s consulate in Miami is its eighth in the U.S. and part of the including Dublin-based Fenergo, which helps banks, insurers, and country’s efforts to double its diplomatic footprint worldwide under other financial firms comply with such rules as “Know Your Cusits “Global Ireland 2025” strategy. l 16

GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

6,000 sq.ft.

305.450.4409

CONSUL AR CORP

The Irish Presence Sarah Kavanagh, the Consul General of Ireland in Miami, began her posting in October 2022.

Before that, she was deputy director of the human rights unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin. She previously worked as

Why did Ireland open a consulate in Miami in 2022?

In 2018, the Irish government adopted a new foreign policy called “Global Ireland 2025,” which committed to doubling our diplomatic impact. And when we analyzed our presence in the U.S., Miami emerged as an obvious choice for growth due to the scale of our bilateral trade, valued at $5.8 billion last year, and the size and importance of Florida in population and its economy. With the opening of our consulate in Miami, we have eight consulates in the U.S., led by our embassy in Washington DC.

What has most surprised you about your post in Miami?

I’m surprised by the degree that Miami is Latin and Caribbean.

Before I came, I was very aware of the Cuban community in Miami but hadn’t realized there were huge Haitian, Venezuelan, Nicaraguan, and Brazilian communities, and so many others. You really feel the gravitational pull of Latin America and the Caribbean here.

I feel lucky to have what I consider a dual post, with one foot in the USA and one in Latin America/Caribbean.

Where do you see the greatest potential to enhance the business and trade relationship between Ireland and Miami?

Ireland is actually the No. 8 foreign direct investor in Florida and had nearly $6 billion in bilateral trade with Florida last year. So, there’s a strong base to build on. [Irish airline] Aer Lingus now links Orlando-Dublin year-round and Miami-Dublin half the year, and that connectivity can help build closer ties.

I see huge potential to build understanding in both locations in terms of what we have to offer one another. Ireland is home to hun18

Special Adviser to Ireland’s Minister for Justice and Equality and earlier, to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. She holds a barrister-at-law degree as well as master’s degrees in politics and in political communication.

dreds of U.S. multinationals, and we’ve refined our offering in terms of meeting their needs as well as providing access to the European Union market of 440 million people. Likewise, Miami has become an important bridge to Latin America/Caribbean as well as being a major city in an important U.S. state. So, there’s greater potential to build awareness for partnerships, and I’m working with Irish and Floridian economic agencies to try to do that.

Next year, the [Florida State University] Seminoles will open their 2024 season playing Georgia Tech in Dublin on August 24, and around 20,000 fans are expected to travel. I think that will be a big boost to deepening relations.

What are your priorities as Consul General in Miami?

My first priority is to ensure the consulate is fully operational, and that means providing services to the thousands of Irish citizens who visit Florida annually and may need consular care. It also means supporting Ireland’s economic agencies and their activities in the region; building connections that can help build bilateral trade, education, and innovation links; strengthening political links; promoting Irish culture; and connecting with our Irish diaspora, which is estimated to be around 1.8 million people in Florida.

Have you found any misconceptions about Ireland in Miami?

Many people think of Ireland as Guinness and whiskey, but Ireland is multi-faceted. In recent decades, we’ve transformed into a modern, progressive, and innovative country, with a highly-educated young population and a hunger to travel, do business, and connect.

It’s not the Ireland of 50 or 100 years ago, and I urge people to come visit and find out for themselves. l GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

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T R A D E S TAT S

Scaling Success THE MIAMI CUSTOMS DISTRICT CONTINUES TO DOMINATE U.S. FISH FILLET IMPORTS

BY YOUSRA BENKIRANE

D

20

3.0 $2.68b 23.30%

2.5 $2.18b BILLIONS

riven by a high demand for healthy protein and the lack of national aquaculture production, the United States has historically taken the lead as the world’s largest importer of fish fillets – with South Florida having long led the nation in the flow of fish into the country.

In past decades, the leading origin of fish fillet imports into the U.S. has shifted from Canada (1994-1999) to Chile (2000-2004) to China (2005-2015) and back to Chile (2016-present). For the Miami Customs District, Chile has typically been the top source of fish fillets. Those imports, mostly chilled salmon, fly into Miami International Airport, the U.S.’s leading port of entry for perishables.

Imports from China, generally frozen tilapia, are mostly shipped into the Port of Los Angeles.

Of the $5.47B worth of fish fillets that the U.S. imported through August of this year, 35.9 percent came through Florida ($2.09B). Of those imports, 83.6 percent – or $1.75B worth – came through ports in the Miami Customs District (MCD).

Fish fillets (fresh, chilled, or frozen) rank as the MCD’s third most valuable import, trailing behind only gold ($2.22B) and telephones ($1.99B). Through August of this year, MCD imported $1.75B worth of fish fillets. While that represents a decline of 34.6 percent from the previous year (due to a 41.5 percent decrease in imports from China), this figure remains 4.1 percent higher than pre-pandemic (2019 & 2020) levels.

On the export side, MCD exported $22.5M worth of fish, mostly to neighboring Caribbean countries like the Dominican Republic ($3.83M) and the Bahamas ($1.1M).

Chile, the leading source of fish fillet imports to MCD, dominated the total with $1.27B through August, followed by Norway ($58.1M), and Colombia ($55.1M). As the world’s largest producer of farmed salmon, Norway is the U.S.’s second most valuable source of fish, albeit not through South Florida. For Chile, salmon is the country’s largest food and agricultural export and the second-largest total export sector after copper. China no longer makes the top ten for the MCD, with imports having decreased to only $16.3M through August of 2023. In terms of sources from Asia, Indonesia has overtaken China; overall, it’s MCD’s fourth most valuable source of fish ($39.5M), largely consisting of tuna, snapper, and grouper.

Since the deepening of the PortMiami channel, the district has been able to accommodate larger Asian ships freighted with frozen fish and other goods coming from Indonesia, Vietnam, and India.

Yet only $434M worth of fish come through the District’s main seaports, with the Miami International Airport handling the rest.

Port Everglades handles the most ($254M), overwhelmingly from Chile (67.5 percent) and India (12.5 percent). PortMiami comes in second at $180M, with 22 percent coming from Indonesia, 17.7 percent from Ecuador, and 17.6 percent from Vietnam.

Miami International Airport (MIA), as the main point of entry for air perishables to the U.S. (accounting for approximately 70 percent of all U.S. perishable imports like fruits, vegetables, and seafood) handles $1.31B worth of fish. It has 466,372 square feet of on-airport refrigerated warehouse space, approximately 16 percent of its total on-airport warehouse space. Private logistics facilities

29.80%

2.0

1.5

$1.68b

$1.68b

$1.75b

-0.83%

-16%

-34.60%

2019

2020

1.0

0.5

2021

2022

2023*

Miami Customs District Fish Imports *Through August 2023 Source: U.S. Census Bureau and Observatory for Economic Complexity

Largest Sources of Fish Imports to the Miami Customs District* CHILE .............................................. $1.27B NORWAY ........................................ $58.1M COLOMBIA .................................... $55.1M ECUADOR ...................................... $47.7M INDONESIA ................................... $39.5M *Through August 2023 Source: U.S. Census Bureau and Observatory for Economic Complexity

just outside the airport and in the nearby City of Doral also have significant refrigeration capacity.

Overall, the Miami Customs District has established itself as a linchpin in the supply chain of U.S. fish imports. As South Florida charts a robust growth trajectory in this sector, it anticipates competing with Los Angeles, as Chile contends with China for dominance as the primary fish supplier for U.S. markets. l

TR ADE DEALS

Free Trade with Florida

STYMIED BY THE INABILITY TO REACH A FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH THE U.S., THE UK REACHES OUT TO THE INDIVIDUAL STATES

BY YOUSRA BENKIRANE

B

ritain’s post-Brexit pursuit of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States to diversify markets outside Europe was marked by anticipation and complex negotiations in 2020. Despite initial optimism, however, negotiations stalled and the endeavor failed. So, the United Kingdom pivoted to a state-level approach.

Historically, economic ties between Florida and the UK have been robust, tracing back to when British tourists (now ranked #2 in international tourists to Florida) began spending their holidays at Disney World. Today, the relationship has evolved into a dynamic landscape of business collaborations and strategic investments.

The United Kingdom is the state’s top foreign direct investment (FDI) source, with a total of $18 billion as of 2020. Britishaffiliated companies employed more Floridians than companies from any other foreign country, accounting for 77,200 jobs at the turn of the decade. “I think part of it is that Florida is pretty open for business, whereas a lot of other places have had more restrictive regulations, especially during the pandemic,” says British-native David Archer, President of the British American Business Council and attorney for Hinshaw & Culbertson. “We’ve seen a lot of new businesses coming into South Florida from the UK, and from everywhere. Really, Miami’s booming.”

Sharing a common language, daily eight-hour direct flights, and a large British expatriate community are all factors that have contributed to a resilient economic relationship between Florida and the UK. Therefore, it made sense to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state after the negotiations for an FTA failed. The UK has already signed MoUs with Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Utah, and is currently negotiating with California, Colorado, Illinois, Texas, and “we’re doing our biggest and best one yet [with] Florida,” said the UK Consul General in Miami, Rufus Drabble.

As the UK seeks new avenues for growth and diversification post-Brexit, Miami (vs. Florida) has itself become an increasingly attractive option, thanks to the city’s focus on promoting itself as a start-up hub. “The UK has a strong reputation in innovation and tech companies, and we’re seeing more of that cross-pollination between the UK and South Florida,” says Tansy Jefferies, tax advisor for RSM and treasurer of the British American Business Council.

In April, during an international trade tour, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis met with the UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch. Discussing the MoU was not initially on the agenda, but after a private meeting between Badenoch and Gov. DeSantis, the commitment to a MoU was solidified.

That UK meeting was followed with a visit to Florida in July by British trade envoy Sir Conor Burns. Alongside Enterprise Florida (now Select Florida), they visited multiple cities (including Miami), meeting with industry leaders across sectors ranging from aerospace to health sciences. Sir Burns emphasized the importance of the MoU, saying, “This is our priority. We want to make sure that this

22

The UK has a strong reputation in innovation and tech companies, and we’re seeing more of that cross-pollination between the UK and South Florida...

TANSY JEFFERIES, TREASURER, BRITISH AMERICAN BUSINESS COUNCIL. ABOVE: FLORIDA GOV. RON DESANTIS MET IN LONDON WITH KEMI BADENOCH, UK SECRETARY OF STATE FOR BUSINESS AND TRADE,

MoU is a staple for other MoUs, where it sets the tone and the momentum – given that Florida is already such a big trading partner.”

On November 14th, the MoU between the UK and Florida was officially signed in Jacksonville, virtually eliminating trade barriers. As Business Council President Archer aptly put it, “I don’t think there’s any reason why [cooperation between Florida and the UK] can’t and won’t continue. We’re just living in a more global and interconnected world, where Miami is really a hub.” l GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

Everything Falls Into Place When you Give Back.

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MARITIME

Yachts Ahoy! From Monaco to Miami

HIGH-END MARINE LIFESTYLE IS THE FORTE OF NORTH STAR YACHTING, NOW ANCHORED IN SOUTH FLORIDA

BY KAREN-JANINE COHEN

C

ome 2025, Miami residents and visitors might find themselves celebrating on a dedicated 270-foot floating destination: a specially built vessel hosting about 400 guests. While the ship’s name remains under wraps, the concept is a passion project for Tony Vamvakidi, Greek-born founder and CEO of North Star Yachting, the Monaco-headquartered high-end yacht broker and charter firm.

“It will be a head-turner and a landmark,” says Vamvakidi of the planned uber-party ship. Vamvakidi has also commissioned a suite of floating luxury hotels planned to elegantly glide to close-in destinations for a one-of-a-kind experience.

With designs by architectural firm JeanPierre Heim, the 80-meter vessels are expected to debut in Miami, and, in New York, where launch is planned to coincide with the nation’s 250th birthday in July, 2026.

24

It’s not North Star’s only U.S. move. The company recently opened a Miami office, headed by longtime Florida resident Suyain George, and focused on its core competency of yacht brokerage and charters. “I always wanted to do more,” says Vamvakidi of opening the company’s Miami presence. “The American market is too big to leave aside.

Fifty percent of the global market is the American market.”

According to Future Market Insights research firm, the global luxury yacht market is expected to reach $19 billion across the next decade. This includes yacht builders, brokers, designers, harbor management, services, equipment and buyers. Vamvakidi believes North Star is positioned to thrive in this expanding space.

The ocean is in his blood. The Athens native began sailing at age 6, and never stopped. He was involved in the family pa-

RECENTLY UNVEILED ISA YACHT FOR A LISTING PRICE 0F $10.4 MILLION

per production business but moved to Paris for college after completing his army service.

It was there, in 1988, where he came up with the idea of turning his love for sailing into a business. “It was a natural choice,” says Vamvakidi, who later earned an MBA at the University of Hartford, in Connecticut. The company has 40 employees, with brokers dispersed in Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Greek Islands, plus a New York and now, South Florida presence.

The company does more than match the right yacht with the right buyer. Because of its long-time relationships with shipbuilders, North Star has become involved in vessel design, matching clients with the best shipyard for that particular yacht.

Meanwhile, the charter side of the business focuses on what they call “the 100 leading yachts of the world.” Revenue is 80 percent sales, and 20 percent charters, with fluctuations across the years.

Vamvakidi has witnessed yacht design evolve. “I see the future being very much in sustainable vessels, and the impact of Co2 on the globe,” he said. While, he noted, pressure for carbon neutral transportation is far more intense in Europe, trends are moving in that direction and green innovaGLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

The American market is too big to leave aside. Fifty percent of the global market is the American market.

TONY VAMVAKIDI, ABOVE, CEO OF NORTH STAR YACHTING. SUYAIN GEORGE, SHOWN RIGHT, IS HEADING UP THE MIAMI OFFICE OF NORTH STAR YACHTING

tion, like solar panels, are becoming common in yacht design. From order-to-delivery of a 65 meter yacht takes about 36 months, and includes identifying the best shipyard for the job while decisions are made by the buyer about exterior lines and interior architecture, which along with sustainability, might include Zen or Feng Shui elements.

Vamvakidi spent a year in South Florida in the 90s, buying vessels that were sent to Europe to take advantage of the weak dollar at the time. But doing more in the region was always a goal. Then, in early 2022, he and Suyain George met at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show where George was filling in as a host for an exhibiting company. They later spoke briefly and exchanged business cards, then stayed in touch. George, who is a real estate sales associate, began collaborating with Vamva-

kidi in South Florida by house-hunting for his yachting clients. He then brought her in as part of the North Star sales team.

George, who grew up in the area, describes herself somewhat facetiously as an “expert passenger.” She is now learning nautical specifications – and oceangoing lingo. “Bedrooms are not bedrooms, they are staterooms,” she quips. The yachts that North Star brokers range from $5 million to $100 million.

North Star Yachting is named after Stella Polaris, the star guiding mariners across the seas for millennia. The firm originally worked with smaller vessels, like day cruisers and runabouts, before moving into the super-yacht category. It has now brokered more than 500 vessels since its launch.

“Our aim is to offer an experience that greatly enhances wellbeing, that goes beyond one splendid day onboard,” says Vamvakidi. l 25

FUND R AISING

A Lab for Startups

IS MIAMI BECOMING THE NEXT BIOTECH HUB FOR LATIN AMERICA?

BY MARCELLA MCCARTHY

P

edro Penna, a biotech entrepreneur from Brazil, recently traveled to Miami to pitch his startup to leading biotech investors from Latin America and the U.S. The occasion: The November 2023 Biohunt Summit, held at the Rubell Museum west of Downtown. The event, designed to match entrepreneurs with investors, was organized by Ganesha Lab and the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC). In its second year, the conference drew some 102 investors, up from 30 the previous year.

While it’s an expensive trip for an early-stage builder, Penna considered it a strategic investment for his São Paulo-based startup, Naiad. The company creates new drugs for neuro-psychiatric conditions and cancer – and was looking to raise $5 million. “I came because everyone knows Miami is becoming the next big place for startups in biotech and pharma,” said Penna.

Maybe so, and if the crowd at the summit was any indication, Miami could soon be adding “biotech hub” to its resume. The museum’s galleries were laden with large-scale contemporary art and buzzing with “80 percent of the top biotech investors in Latin America,” said Ricardo Salomão, one of the heavy hitters himself.

Salomão is co-founder and managing partner of Green Rock, a São Paulo-based venture capital and private equity firm focused on the healthcare sector. Its portfolio comprises 20 companies in Latin America, 19 of which are Brazilian and one Mexican. “Where you have funds, you have entrepreneurs,” said Salomão. Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Mexico are leaders in biotech in Latin America.

Salomão was in town to support Naiad and MirScience, both in his portfolio of companies and both pitching at Biohunt. It was a rare chance to talk-up and introduce “his” passionate founders to other investors, he said, including New York-based SOSV, a biotech venture capital firm that launched IndieBio, the first accelerator to focus on life sciences. In an inspirational opening talk about the fast growth of biotech, especially in the area of food sciences, senior SOSV and IndieBio executive Stephen Chambers said, “You can’t keep these folks down on the farm when they’ve seen the bright lights.”

The Ganesha Lab, which hosted the event, is a Miami-based scale-up that helps Latin American biotech startups grow while also providing funding. “This event stands out because, while there are bigger biotech conferences around the world such as BIO, this is the only one focused on biotech and LatAm,” said Lucas Rocha, co-founder and CEO of MirScience.

Behind this Latin American road show of talent and funding is German biotech executive Markus Schreyer, who founded Ganesha in 2017 and runs the operation. “When we first started, we were just an accelerator, but then we realized that to really succeed, we needed a fund.

So, we raised $10 million, which in Latin America goes a long way.”

Schreyer previously worked in science in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, including serving as the general manager for Latin America at Thermo Fisher Scientific, a public company traded on the NYSE. “Given my experience, I saw there were a lot of high-quality life sciences in LatAm, but they weren’t converting into companies,”

26

TOP: ATTENDEES ARRIVING AT 2023 BIOHUNT SUMMIT MIDDLE: LUCAS ROCHA, RICARDO SALOMAO, PEDRO PENNA BOTTOM: MARKUS SCHREYER, FOUNDER OF GANESHA LAB

he said. “We can only move the needle when we build bridges.”

Among the successful startups touted at the Biohunt Summit was NotCo, a Chilean “alt-protein” company founded in 2015 and now valued at $1.5 billion. NotCo is considered an exemplary LatAm biotech startup, with products such as NotMilk, which can be found on the shelves of Wholefoods and on the menu at Shake Shack. Even Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, who recently announced his relocation to Miami, is an investor, having reportedly put $30 million into the company in 2019. l GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

BIO TECH

B

ioTissue co-founder Dr. Scheffer Tseng has developed and monetized what may be some of the most innovative healing products in the biotech sector today. Still, Tseng says it all came about fortuitously, beginning with his and his wife Amy’s immigration to the United States after her family initially frowned upon their union.

It was the 1970s. Tseng had finished his medical studies and Amy had already moved to California. At that time, higher education was the only immigration path Taiwan officials granted. So, Tseng followed, ending up in the experimental pathology PhD program at the University of California San Francisco, where he focused on cell research.

“From that point forward, I didn’t have a big plan,” says Tseng. “[But] life is very interesting when you follow your heart.” What his romantic pursuit led to is BioTissue, a Miami-based biotech company that in the next 24 months anticipates sales north of $100 million.

Tseng, along with BioTissue President and CEO Ted Davis, sat down for an interview at the company’s Miami headquarters, just a few minutes away from its Doral laboratory. The lab is where donated amniotic tissues are processed into products designed to promote and speed non-scarring healing.

These include BioTissue’s first product, Prokera, a corneal bandage which looks like a contact lens for eye injuries. It was a direct result of Tseng’s openness to chance.

Referred by a colleague, the newly minted UC San Francisco PhD was accepted into a surgical ophthalmology residency at Baltimore’s Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Not confident in his English fluency at the time, Tseng decided against a patient-centered practice in favor of surgery. During that surgical residency, Tseng researched the therapeutic use of stem cells – undifferentiated cells that can become the specialized cells which comprise organs, blood, bones and so forth.

At John Hopkins, Tseng developed the first surgical procedure to transplant stem cells from one eye of a patient to the other.

“We established an incredible reputation, but at the same time we realized the stem cell transplant does not always work. There was something missing,” he said, noting the procedure’s 95 percent success rate.

That missing 5 percent tantalized Tseng. “I am always more interested in problems and challenges than success – something successful to me is gone,” he says. He was soon on the trail that would eventually lead to BioTissue.

28

Tissue Products-From Taiwan to Miami A SURPRISE JOURNEY LEADS TO HEALING THERAPIES

BY KAREN-JANINE COHEN / PHOTOS BY RODOLFO BENITEZ

After completing a fellowship in cornea and external diseases at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Tseng left the northeast in 1986 for Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, part of the University of Miami Health System. It was there that he discovered what he calls “the soil.” That is the molecule HCHA/PTX3 (Heavy Chain Hyaluronic Acid/ Pentraxin3 complex, for the chemistry-curious), a kind of substrate for other cells. “It becomes the best magic-grow molecule you can find,” Tseng says, a cellular platform that provides an environment for regenerative

healing.

Using that molecule, which technicians refine from donated amniotic tissue, the company makes several products along with Prokera. These include bandage-sized tissues that can be used in surgeries, and an injectable form.

The molecule HC-HA/PTX3 has amazing versatility, Tseng explains. “It has multiple actions – making sure inflammation does not go out of control [and preventing] tissue from forming scar tissue.” It also creates a welcoming environment for stem cell regeneration.

GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

It has multiple actions – making sure inflammation does not go out of control and preventing tissue from forming scar tissue...

DR. SCHEFFER TSENG, (OPPOSITE) BIO TISSUE CO-FOUNDER, DISCUSSING THE MOLECULE HC-HA/PTX3 ABOVE: TED DAVIS, BIOTISSUE CEO RIGHT TOP: BIOTISSUE HOLDS MORE THAN TWO DOZEN PATENTS RIGHT BOTTOM: A LAB WORKER IN DORAL

“The earlier you do it the better – it becomes a night-and-day difference,” he says.

Tseng didn’t aim to form a company, but when other doctors were asking for the product, his wife Amy (who is a CPA with an MBA) said they should create their own firm.

So BioTissue was launched in 1997, with Prokera as their first product. Amy Tseng was CEO from the inception until 2022, when she stepped down and was replaced by Ted Davis.

With help from National Institute of Health grants, the company was self-funded until 2019, when BioTissue brought in

outside investors EW Healthcare Partners and Ballast Point Ventures. Today, BioTissue holds more than two-dozen patents.

CEO Davis says that some 790,000 patients have been treated with its products. Of the company’s 300-plus employees, 80 work in the Doral laboratory, with another 80 scattered around the country in sales positions.

The rest are in the Miami headquarters. The company’s inhouse team, Sharing Miracles, coordinates tissue donation, a process overseen by the FDA. Now, says company CEO Ted Davis, BioTissue is working toward FDA biologic

license approvals, which, he explains, is a higher bar than medical device or tissue regulations, their current regulatory pathway.

Clinical trials are ongoing.

“Our biggest challenge is also our tremendous opportunity,” Davis says, referencing the platform technology based on HC-HA/PTX-3. “We have to choose carefully which programs to prioritize for commercialization, given the many different applications to choose from.” One focus is extending the product line based on Prokera, the ocular bandage. But research is ongoing to find other applications for BioTissue products. “Right now, the most cutting-edge work is for diabetic foot ulcers,” Tseng says.

“The second one is for an injectable for osteoarthritis.”

As the company grows and more applications for its technology are crafted, Tseng says the future for healing products remains bright, hoping that “what has been built may last.” l 29

T R A D E S H OW S

Growing Its Waistline

MIAMI’S BIGGEST INTERNATIONAL TRADE SHOW FOR THE FOOD INDUSTRY IS ABOUT TO GET BIGGER

BY DOREEN HEMLOCK

T

he non-profit World Trade Center Miami has been organizing the Americas Food & Beverage Show at the Miami Beach Convention Center since 1999. This past September, it held its largest edition yet, says WTC Miami President and CEO Ivan Barrios.

The 2023 show saw a record crowd of 7,300 people who attended, up from 4,700 who went to the 2022 show. This year’s event also featured a record 700-plus exhibitors, up from 454 last year.

Now, the World Trade Center-Miami has announced, it is partnering with a key Latin American events group that will add a complementary show expected to bring thousands more professionals to Miami Beach next year. The new show, Food & Hospitality Latam, will expand the industry focus to hotels, and include food equipment and technology. Its organizers aim to mobilize attendees mostly from Brazil, Mexico, and other Latin American countries, supplementing current show participants that come largely from the U.S. “We’ll probably attract around 30 percent more participants to the combined shows in Miami Beach next year,” says Leonardo Benedicto, the tri-lingual Brazilian who helps lead the Latin American division of global event organizer Informa Markets. Turnout of some 9,000 to 10,000 people would build on last year’s record, the partners say. Attendance is open to food industry professionals and not the public at large.

Current participants in the AF&B show are mainly small-and mid-sized firms from some 90 nations that sell food to distributors, supermarkets, and restaurants. Some companies had booths in country pavilions, with the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Spain, and Panama, among them. The show also offered demonstration areas for chefs and mixologists to create treats from diverse items on display.

“We had a hit with Beverage Island, where bartenders used spirits exhibited at the show,” says Barrios. One popular libation: pineapple “caipirinhas,” made with pineapples from Africa’s Benin.

Informa Markets’ Latin American division has also been looking to expand the two food trade shows it organizes yearly in the region: Fispal Food Service in Brazil, which attracts more than 40,000 people, and Abastur in Mexico, which draws nearly 20,000.

30

LEFT: DEMOS ON TO HOW TO CUT BLUEFIN TUNA TOP: EXHIBITORS AT THE FOOD & BEVERAGE SHOW BOTTOM: IVAN BARRIOS (LEFT), PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE MIAMI WORLD TRADE CENTER AT THE RIBBON CUTTING

Informa Markets Latam saw potential to draw participants from other Latin nations, but did not want to organize new shows in each country. So, it looked north and opted to co-produce and co-market with the World Trade Center Miami’s food show, says Benedicto, a tri-lingual Brazilian.

“Miami offers the best logistics for running regionwide events,” says Benedicto, referring to Miami International Airport’s excellent airlinks to Latin America and the Caribbean, its multi-lingual talent, and recent upgrades at the Miami Beach Convention Center that cost more than $600 million.

The initial partnership between the two groups and food shows extends through 2026. Informa Markets hosts other trade shows in Miami through its U.S. division, but now Informa Latam is exploring additional Miami trade show options, as well. “This is just the beginning of a greater partnership,” says Benedicto.

News of the food-show expansion brought smiles to many in Miami. Tourism leaders saw the chance to fill more hotel rooms.

And food-show exhibitors had hopes of a wider audience and increased sales. In 2023, Japan’s True World Foods, a wholesaler of fresh seafood, increased its presence at the Americas Food & Beverage Show, offering demonstrations on how to cut bluefin tuna. Says Yas Ishida, a manager at True World’s Miami office: “We’re looking forward to doing something on a bigger scale next year.” l GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

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A Gentler, Crisper Mezcal MIAMI-BASED DESOLAS MEZCAL IS BETTING ON THE GROWING U.S. MARKET FOR THE MEXICAN LIQUOR

BY KATELIN STECZ

San Luis Potosi was one of the original places to produce lots of mezcal.

T

here are typically two types of mezcal drinkers. The first is the connoisseur who loves and appreciates the liquor’s unique smoky flavor. The second is the spring break tourist in Mexico who undoubtedly ends up hunched over the toilet of their hotel bathroom. Desolas Mezcal is looking to market to a third type of mezcal drinker: the person who doesn’t drink mezcal.

Most people who don’t like mezcal dislike it for its signature smoky taste. However, Desolas is a different type of mezcal, and what makes the Miami-based brand different from other mezcals boils – or rather distills – down to two main factors: its ingredients and its production process.

Most mezcals – 80 to 90 percent – are made with Esapdin agave.

Producers favor Esapdin agave for its high sugar content and easy cultivation. However, Desolas uses Salmiana agave specifically grown in the San Luis Potosi region of Mexico. Taking up to 25 years to reach maturation, Salmiana agave not only takes much longer to grow but also produces a low yield of liquid compared to its size. Despite the challenges associated with Salmiana agave, founder and CEO GG Mirvis says she was drawn to Salmiana agave for its crisp, herbal flavor.

Another factor that contributes to Desolas’ unique taste is its distillation process. With most mezcals, the piña (the heart of the agave plant) is roasted in underground pits. That is what gives mezcal its signature smoky taste. However, Desolas roasts its agave in aboveground ovens called “hornos;” this results is a liquor with a more refreshing flavor.

Mirvis says she’s proud to have created a product that not only introduces variety to the current market but also celebrates mezcaleros from San Luis Potosi and its family traditions. “San Luis Potosi was one of the original places to produce lots of mezcal,” she says. “Mezcal production in San Luis Potosi once thrived, but the Mexican Revolution led to the decline of this tradition as haciendas

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GG MIRVIS , FOUNDER AND CEO, DESOLAS MEZCAL, ON THE HISTORICAL TRADITION OF SAN LUIS POTOSI

were destroyed. Today, some haciendas aim to revive it, but they face challenges due to outdated equipment and limited funds. Desolas Mezcal stands out, as it comes from a preserved factory, crafted by a Maestro Mezcalero with a century-old family tradition.”

Although the brand is young, Mirvis is excited about the company’s growth from its inception in February 2020 to now. She attributes part of this to the growing popularity of agave-based spirits (tequila and mezcal) in the United States. According to the International Wine and Spirits Record (IWSR), in 2022 Americans spent more on agave-based spirits than on U.S. whiskey, making agave-based spirits the second most purchased spirit by value in the United States. The IWSR estimates that in 2024, agave-based spirits could supplant vodka, the number one contender.

On a company rather than industry-wide level, Mirvis says that Desolas has made strong gains within the last year, “Desolas has had strong growth in existing markets in 2023 [Florida, New York, California, Texas] and with its entry momentum in several new markets [Georgia, Colorado, Canada] its case volume has increased approximately 50% from 2022.”

The Mexican-made mezcal for the Miami-based company is continuing to integrate itself into the U.S. liquor market. The brand recently partnered with the steakhouse chain Fogo de Chão to create a cocktail that will be sold at its locations in California, Texas, New York, and, of course, Florida. For now, Desolas sells in the United States and Canada, but Mirivis says the company has its sights set on London and the European market next.

If you’re in Miami, you can find Desolas at popular bars like Cafe La Trova, Tropezón, and Club Space. l GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

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R E A L E S TAT E

The Billionaires’ Playground WITH ITS INFLUX OF CORPORATE TITANS, MIAMI’S REAL ESTATE VALUES SOAR

BY KYLIE WANG

S

outh Florida real estate has been on the tongues of nearly everyone lately, whether it’s prospective homeowners bemoaning prices or real estate agents sending out gloomy forecasts about the shrinking inventory. Housing affordability in South Florida is now a concern for all income levels except for the latest influx of home buyers – the ultra-wealthy, the centi-millionaires, and the billionaires.

Miami is the fastest-growing wealth hub in the United States with the number of millionaires increasing by 75 percent from 2012 to 2022. A 2023 USA Wealth Report claims Miami is now home to 160 centi-millionaires, with the city ranking at number one in the top U.S. locations where millionaires are buying homes (West Palm Beach follows at No. 3 and Boca Raton at No. 10).

And then there are the billionaires, like Jeff Bezos, who just spent $150 million on two adjoining properties in Indian Creek Village, a wealthy island community north

34

of Miami Beach that is also home to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. He also recently bought two neighboring homes in the leafy Coral Gables suburb for his parents, Jackie and Mike Bezos, for $34 million and $44 million.

Ken Griffin, the czar of global hedge fund Citadel, waded into the South Florida real estate scene after moving his company’s headquarters from Chicago to Downtown Miami last year. Griffin paid $106.87 million for a historic estate in Coconut Grove, purchased from Miami philanthropist Adrienne Arsht. She had originally purchased the two properties comprising the estate for $4 million in 1996, and for $12 million in 2007.

“The growth is just super intense,” says Liz Hogan, a luxury real estate agent for Compass who specializes in custom estates for millionaires. “It’s just scarcity. If you have such extreme wealth and there’s a bidding war on a $10 million home, to plunk down

KEN GRIFFIN, OF HEDGE FUND CITADEL, PURCHASED THIS $106.87 MILLION ESTATE IN COCONUT GROVE

$12 million is nothing – you’re probably saving $5 million in taxes just to move [to Florida], so what do you care if you pay an extra $2 million? And then the next guy comes and pays $13 million, and then the next person.”

Mostly coming from California and New York, these uber-wealthy buyers are driving out locals who can’t afford to get into bidding wars with centi-millionaires or billionaires. The new buyers are often high-profile attorneys, successful entrepreneurs, or high-level executives at tech firms, looking to South Florida for lower taxes, better quality of life, and waterfront living.

Some are simply looking to diversify their portfolios but not actually moving here, though Hogan says those are in the minority.

“From what I’ve seen, my clientele all come to live here permanently,” she says. “I don’t know if they’re living here full-time because they can afford second homes somewhere else, but the majority of them are staying.” Those who aren’t, are buying anyway because “they really believe in the market and where it’s going.”

The city of Palm Beach has also emerged as a hotspot for some of these uber-wealthy clients. In the third quarter of this year, the average sale price of a home in Palm Beach topped $20 million, with an average price per GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

It’s just scarcity. If you have such extreme wealth and there’s a bidding war on a $10 million home, to plunk down $12 million is nothing...

LIZ HOGAN (RIGHT), COMPASS REAL ESTATE AGENT, AT 40 PALM AVE, WHICH IS LISTED AT $24 MILLION MIDDLE: THE JEFF BEZOS $150 MILLION COMPOUND ON EXCLUSIVE INDIAN CREEK VILLAGE BOTTOM: WATERFRONT VIEW AT A GOLDEN BEACH PROPERTY LISTED AT $68 MILLION

square foot reaching $4,554, more than twoand-a-half times that of Manhattan’s. This past summer, entrepreneur and investor Harvey Jones bought a Palm Beach mansion for $50 million; it had previously sold for $7.37 million. In Miami Beach, meanwhile, the average price of “luxury properties” – for $10 million or more – surged to a record $25 million.

Hogan says it’s not just those neighborhoods that are seeing record sales, though.

“South of Brickell is extraordinary,” she says.

“It’s the families looking for private schools because the majority of those are all down south of Brickell. And Coconut Grove is really the next hotspot... It seems to be a great melding between suburbia and urban.”

Waterfront areas are a major draw for out-of-state buyers, and these prices are soaring. In October, David R. Rodriguez, the former CEO of Amicus Medical Group, purchased an oceanfront property in Golden Beach, just north of Miami Beach, for $29 million. It last sold for $6 million in 2011. Also in October, a company owned by attorney and CEO John Ruiz purchased a waterfront home in Coral Gables for $22 million. It had previously sold in 2019 for $10.88 million. An even steeper hike took place in the same month, when an empty bayfront lot in Coconut Grove was purchased by a Colorado company for $18 million. It was last purchased in 2021 for $5.75 million, when it had a house that was subsequently torn down.

When the high end of South Florida real estate will cool off is anyone’s guess.

Hogan says the luxury market in South Florida will remain strong in the coming years as more and more high-profile buyers join the ranks of others moving here for tax and lifestyle reasons. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, last year Florida became the fastest growing state in the country for the first time since 1957. According to the University of Florida, by 2030, Miami-Dade County alone will grow by more than 200,000 people from its current population of 2.76 million. l 35

P R O FE S S I O N A L S E RV I C E S

A Hemispheric Hub for Dispute Resolution THE ART OF INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION IS BECOMING A PART OF MIAMI’S LEGAL FABRIC

BY DOREEN HEMLOCK

P

aris has one. So does Hong Kong, Dubai, New York, London, and many other global cities. Now, Miami has its own Arbitration Week, bringing together practitioners and clients to discuss best practices and to tout the area’s growing role as a global hub for settling disputes outside of traditional courts. Miami today ranks among the top two sites for international arbitration in the U.S., surveys show.

“Miami has arrived. We’re a player,” says Richard Lorenzo, chair of the Miami International Arbitration Society (MIAS), explaining how South Florida has achieved critical mass over the past two decades to now merit an Arbitration Week. “We need to have a seat at the adult table.”

Hundreds of lawyers from across the Americas, Europe, and beyond gathered November 8 through 15 for the inaugural week, attending diverse events on arbitration in offices and conference venues around the city. These included an International Chamber of Commerce conference and the MIAS-University of Miami School of Law summit on investor-state disputes in Latin America. One trend highlighted: More cases handled online, partly an outgrowth of travel limits during the pandemic. Also discussed: Legislation that may affect arbitration in Brazil, Panama, and Mexico.

The events highlighted Miami’s growing role as an arbitration hub, building on its reputation as a gateway to Latin America. As Latin America opened to foreign investment and increased trade through Miami, South Florida attorneys recognized that business

36

RICHARD LORENZO, CHAIR, MIAMI INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION SOCIETY

leaders often preferred to resolve conflicts through arbitration.

In arbitration, the parties choose private individuals to hear their case and issue a decision, which is usually binding and final. Many consider the practice more neutral, cost-effective, and streamlined than traditional litigation, and Miami is a uniquely neutral location where no overseas party in a dispute has “home-court” advantage.

Lawyers and other arbitration advocates in 2008 created the advocacy group MIAS, which has helped secure changes in laws to make the area more “arbitration friendly.” For instance, Florida now allows overseas attorneys not in the Florida Bar to work on international arbitration cases in the state. And some court judges in Miami-Dade County have been trained to answer specific legal questions that might arise from arbitration cases, says Lorenzo, the Society chair and regional managing partner for the Americas in the Miami office of global law firm Hogan Lovells.

As arbitration in Miami took off, so did related businesses and programs. A decade ago, UM Law School launched its master’s degree program in international arbitration, one of the few worldwide.

More law firms active in arbitration have also opened in the city, including King & Spalding, an Atlanta-based firm among sponsors of Miami Arbitration Week. Mediators who call South Florida home are also beginning to specialize in specific industries such as construction, aviation, and aerospace.

“We’ve been working on this for the past 20 years. Growth has been slow but steady, and Miami has earned its spot as a premier international arbitration hub,” Lorenzo told Global Miami Magazine.

Indeed, Miami arbitration now extends beyond its core business of commercial contract disputes in Latin America. Miami lawyers increasingly represent not only investors but also governments, some from countries as distant as the Democratic Republic of Congo, says Luis O’Naghten, a society leader and partner in the Miami office of law firm Nelson Mullins. Local arbitrator Gary Birnberg says Miami should be “considered not just as a center for holding hearings but as a thought nexus as well, where the best minds in the profession come together to discuss what’s happening.” l GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

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Most impressive of all, phase one of our convention center transformation is now complete, featuring 350,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, Water Taxi access and more. The reimagined venue joins a long list of destination benefits, from easy access through Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to inspiring outdoor venues and teambuilding adventures.

Learn about free meeting space at the convention center for qualifying events and more at VisitLauderdale.com/Meetings.

INVESTING

Alternative Investments

PERSPECTIVES FROM THE WORLD STRATEGIC FORUM

E

ach year hundreds of global leaders assemble at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables to discuss issues of vital importance at the World Strategic Forum. The event is organized by the International Economic Forum of the Americas and the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom at Florida International University. This year the theme was “Mastering the New Economy.” From one of the key sessions, “The Alternative Investment Landscape", we present excerpts from the panel, moderated by Global Miami Publisher Richard Roffman, edited for brevity. Panel (from Left to Right): Richard Roffman, Publisher, Global Miami Magazine Genevieve Leveille, Principal Founder and CEO, AgriLedger David J. Blumberg, Founder and Managing Partner, Blumberg Capital Randy Smallwood, President and CEO, Wheaton Precious Metals Neko Sparks, Chief Technology Officer, Pixel Lime; and Senior Partner, New Sparks Capital Advisors

What are the key issues we are facing?

Leveille: The future is about agriculture… how can we make sure that we know where our food is coming from? If the pandemic taught us anything, it was about supply chain… if you recall, the farmer was once the richest person in town, but nowadays is the poorest. [The question is] how we can invest in the farm and also in the production [of food] and create assurances for all of us so that we know where our food is coming from?

Blumberg: We need all kinds of energy. Every single type should be on the table and be promoted because many people will have no energy… Fortunately there is help coming from the tech world, bringing productivity… [large corporations] have an incredibly strong need for productivity enhancement.

Smallwood: As we talk about alternative investments, gold in my mind is the original critical mineral, the one uniform measure of value, universally accepted around the world. At the World Gold Council, we’re basically bringing gold ownership into the 21st century. We’re basically incorporating blockchain into gold ownership, 38

where instead of having to actually move the gold, you can move digital tokens that have a direct connection back to physical gold stored in a vault.

Sparks: We develop technology that more or less mimics human behavior in a working environment. The reason this is important in AI is because we think that as productivity is increased, we’re able to pursue more humanistic endeavors. We all know that time is our most valuable commodity, so the number one thing that we do at Pixel Lime is try to increase productivity for our clients, so that they have more time to pursue other things.

How are people looking at AI it for the future?

Leveille: “Something that’s coming out from this standpoint is [enhancing] real world assets, where you’re capturing information about energy policy and water policy, which are the two biggest [challenges] for farms, and about regenerative agriculture and how much we can produce… better information will allow for better investment in agriculture… if we start using technologies such as blockchain, AI, drones, sensors, all of those things put together, you will have data that you can use…

Smallwood: Embracing this level of information that will come all the way from the field, where the farmers are actually producing the crops, and from the mines, where the miners are actually producing the minerals [will enable] you as a consumer, you as an investor, to fully understand the costs and benefits of that product you’re consuming.

What about investments for the future?

Smallwood: I think the foundation of every investment portfolio should be some hard assets that are that are going be immune.

They’re all going to suffer from volatility, there’s always going to be fluctuations in terms of what someone’s willing to pay for food, for real estate, for metals, you’re always going to have that. [But] you have to have a sort of foundation thesis that there’s going to be material that is going to have a growing need by society.

Blumberg: The United States of America is the most important market of all, for almost every startup company that I deal with....

I’m [also] very big on Latin America. I think that there are enormous opportunities in this Western Hemisphere… People think it’s the Chinese century. They are wrong. It’s the Western Hemisphere century. Between Canada, the U.S., and Latin America, you have all the resources you need. You have the minerals, you have the industry, you have the capital markets, the new technology, and you have the rule of law. I would urge you to put most of your [investments] here. Diversification is fine, but the major market is here. l GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

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MARKETING

W

hen the Japanese firm New Cosmos Electric wanted to launch their natural gas detector alarm (shown right) in the U.S. market, they were faced with a perception problem.

With nearly 300 natural gas explosions in U.S. homes annually, they needed to make the case for their DeNova Detect device, while at the same time promote the advantages of natural gas appliances.

So, the firm (as New Cosmos USA, Inc.) turned to Miami-based Zen Media to help their launch at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Zen’s PR team first targeted trade outlets that discussed appliance safety, in order to message an informed industry audience. They then placed Cosmos executives (with media training) as “thought leaders” in mass-audience news stories – print, podcast, online, and television – as “the voice of reason” to talk about concerns with trending natural gas products.

The result was an explosion of awareness of the DeNova Detect residential battery-powered natural gas alarm at the Consumer Electronics Show, leading to multiple deals with big-box retailers. The Las Vegas mayor’s office was so impressed it declared January 6 as Natural Gas Safety Awareness Day. In a world full of fast-paced, instant communication and social media influencers, Zen Media CEO Shama Hyder has developed a team that works across all platforms to promote clients that range from Chase Business and the US Navy to DFW Airport, Mary Kay, and Tupperware. Hyder prides herself on a deep understanding of how to navigate the digital world to build brand awareness. Having written her graduate thesis on Twitter (now “X”) when it had less than 2,000 users, she has been named the “Zen Master of Marketing” by Entrepreneur Magazine and the “Millennial Master of the Universe” by FastCompany.com, helping solidify her agency’s reputation for both business to business (B2B) and business to

40

SHAMA HYDER. CEO OF ZEN MEDIA

Zen and the Art of Digital Marketing FOR SHAMA HYDER, IT’S ABOUT UNDERSTANDING THE CONSUMER MINDSET

BY AMY POLIAKOFF

consumer (B2C) brands.

“The philosophy behind the name Zen is the idea that you must go with the flow,” says Hyder. “You must meet your audience where they are – both physically but also psychologically – not where they were 10 years ago but where they are today… To understand and reach the audience, where they are and how they want to be catered to, is the notion behind Zen.” On the digital front, Zen Media employs AI to measure audience reaction across online platforms, such as their “Snooze or News” tool to evaluate the newsworthiness of press releases and suggest the best

channels for distribution. Using this and other approaches to shared, earned, and paid social media, they have launched successful online campaigns for clients such as Cheetah Digital, Navy Exchange, and fintech company Dwolla. “A big part of the battle of succeeding in the digital age is relevance,” says Hyder. “What we do at Zen Media is focus on how to meaningfully connect with your audience across all of the changing platforms. [For example] we analyze how our clients’ buyers browse the internet and how that impacts their buying decisions.”

This doesn’t mean Zen ignores the physical world. Far from it. Hyder shares GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

a Chase BizMobile, a business center on wheels that traveled to 50+ cities to help small business owners with marketing, access to capital, and expense management.

The campaign helped the brand connect with small business owners they hoped to do business with, as well as promote Chase Business as a brand so genuinely interested in helping small business owners that they were willing to travel the country to provide free advice. The positive public response led to write-ups in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and The ZEN MEDIA CEO SHAMA HYDER Business Journals.

ABOVE: A “MOBILE” CAMPAIGN FOR Beyond leading her marketing agency, CHASE BIZMOBILE A BUSINESS CENHyder has been a keynote speaker for the TER ON WHEELS THAT TRAVELED TO last 15 years. She’s traveled to 24 different 50+ CITIES ACROSS THE U.S. countries as part of her speaking career, including Lithuania, Australia, and Egypt, that her favorite campaigns are the ones that where she focuses on social media, marallow for a little creativity in the non-digital keting, AI, and branding in the digital age. world. As part of a public relations campaign Her work is also in print, having published for Capital One, a sponsor for the YMCA two books, “Momentum: How to Propel Dallas Turkey Trot, Zen Media set up a Marketing + Transform Your Brand in the campaign asking participants of the Turkey Digital Age” and “The Zen of Social Media Trot to dress like turkeys. The result: 40,000 Marketing.” Her books have been translated people participated, breaking the Guinness into Spanish, Korean, Russian, and Japanese.

World Record for most people dressed as While her marketing expertise and turkeys for a single event, garnering Capital willingness to learn and adapt help make One and the YMCA national press coverage. Zen Media a successful agency, Hyder is Another example is Zen’s “mobile” also aware of the importance of leading campaign for Chase. They hit the road with by example. “Developing strong company

Developing strong company leadership is about people, platforms, and perceptions. Mastering these three tactics puts you in good shape for leadership.

leadership is about people, platforms, and perceptions. Mastering these three tactics puts you in good shape for leadership,” she says. “If you are a leader and you can learn how to manage and pull the levers on these three components, that is really what is going to differentiate between people who are winning as leaders versus those who are getting left behind.”

As head of one of the 0.1% of femaleowned PR and marketing agencies in the U.S., Hyder is also proud to empower other female employees. “Some of my employees have never worked for a female leader. We have a lot of working moms and female team members. I can’t change the whole world, but it motivates me to change the small part of the world that I can change,” she says.

Lately, Hyder has been focused on perceptions of Zen Media in Miami, Hyder’s current home and the agency’s headquarters.

“Zen has a strong presence here in Miami, and I feel this is now my community. I am excited about welcoming the remote culture we have fostered and the new jobs we are creating,” she says. “We are making an impact in Florida, and for marketers in general, by reshaping the contours of what it means to reach audiences today to market and sell. It’s a changing world out there. We need to keep up.” l 41

The

Miami Consular Corps A Special Report on the Diplomatic & Trade Representatives Who Connect Miami with the Globe Sponsored by

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SPECIAL REPORT

On the Form and Functions of

Miami’s Consular Corps

Nabil Achkar, Secretary of the Consular Corps of Miami

Photo by Rodolfo Benitez

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GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

The Perspective of Corps Secretary

Nabil J. Achkar

Banker Nabil Achkar has been secretary of Consular Corps of Miami for 30 years and is considered “one of the most revered members of Miami’s international community,” says Manny Mencia, chairman of the Miami World Trade Center. While the official business of the corps is conducted by an executive committee consisting of Dean of the Corps (the longest consul in office, currently Consul General Gilbert

Boustany of Antigua and Barbuda), Treasurer (now vice president of the Beacon Council Mario Sacasa), Secretary (Achkar), and Corps Adviser (currently the former German Ambassador Volker Anding), operations are run by the Secretary. He serves in this function voluntarily. We sat with the secretary at the Biltmore Hotel and asked him to elucidate the mission and functions of the Consular Corps of Miami.

How did you come to be the secretary of the Miami consular corps?

country and accepted [the position of ] consul general in Miami. This is how important Miami is in the eyes of those governments.

I was an assistant to the consulate of Lebanon many years ago and would represent Lebanon at the meetings. One day I was lucky to be elected secretary, following the end of the term of my colleague (the Lebanese consul general). I was elected and I’ve been in that position ever since.

How has the consular presence in Miami changed?

What are the primary functions of consular officers here?

Mainly to promote the country that they represent, economically and culturally. The consul [will] try to bring the airline of his country here, to have bank(s) from his country here, to have commercial exchanges, to take groups of businesspeople to their country and vice versa. In the past, people thought the consul was somebody who gave you a visa and extended the validity of your passport. It’s not [just] that anymore. It’s really to be a commercial attaché, to be the representative of all the products of that country.

What makes Miami special as a city for consulates?

We have, for example, a protocol department at the airport, which is extremely important to us… the consuls get to know this office, which takes care of all the officials that come to Miami. Very few international airports have this service. They [the officials] are welcomed officially, and they are treated like kings… let’s say the foreign minister of the country is arriving, or the ambassador; there will be somebody at the plane welcoming them, so they don’t have to wait in line….

Years ago, Miami had very few career consuls. It was mainly a few honorary consulates to represent the interest of their countries. Then suddenly these countries noticed that Miami was a very important place. So, they elevated the representation to a consulate general, with career diplomats. France, England, Italy, Japan, Germany, all these were small honorary consulates, and then [Miami] became very important. All of Central and South America is [now] represented, and most of Europe – all of Western Europe and some of Eastern Europe. It gives you an idea of the importance that Miami took over the years.

What is the role of the Consular Corps?

In our [consular corps] meetings, we always try to introduce consuls to leaders on the local and state level, so they know who to deal with… We try to [have consuls] meet the head of the airport, the heads of the ports, the head of the police, the mayor of the county, the mayor of the city, people from the State Department, all the people that consuls need to deal with. This is the function of the Consular Corps. It’s also to get people together to know each other.

When you have a new consul general arriving, he doesn’t know his colleagues. A consular [corps] luncheon is an opportunity for him to meet 20, 30 or 40 of his colleagues.

How important is promoting trade for the consulates?

Very important. For example, the French Consul General’s official title is Consul General of France and Trade Commissioner. Most of the countries represented here have a trade office. Some are within the consulate, some are outside of the consulate, but they work hand in hand… And they will put [your company] in contact with busiThere are almost 80 consulates here, which is one of the largest numbers for a U.S. city. To show you the importance of Miami, many nesses that are in that same field. And besides that, they do plenty countries appoint to Miami consul generals that have already reached of missions. They take people to their countries and receive people the rank of ambassador. Some of them were ambassadors in another from their countries promoting their economic activities. l

How important is Miami as a posting for consular officers?

45

SPECIAL REPORT

Building Global

Partnerships INSIDE THE COMMERCIAL POWER OF THE CONSULAR CORPS OF MIAMI

GAËL DE MAISONNEUVE, FORMER FRENCH CONSUL GENERAL

BY CAMI HOFSTADTER

W

hen Chris Hodgkins, CEO of the Miami Access Tunnel Concessionaire, speaks of the successful Port of Miami tunnel project he waxes exuberant about former French Consul General Gaël de Maisonneuve. “He came to every single event related to the project, showing all the support he could by his presence alone,” says Hodgkins. “He even came to the Miami Outboard Club for our first celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, and after that our members just couldn’t stop talking about him. That’s the kind of foreign consul he was.”

Another person who likes to vouch for the success of connecting the dots between in-person actions and the conclusion of a major commercial project is a former honorary consul from Finland. When Port Everglades put out bids for its second gantry crane – at 30 long-ton, considered a giant at the time – the Finnish Kone corporation relied on the local consul to be at the Broward Commission hearings. Baffled by the appearance of this foreign official – the

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GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

only consul in attendance, who proceeded to speak about the merits of doing business with a country enjoying a stellar reputation around the world – commissioners surprised everyone by halting the bidding process. Voicing their strong objections over this turn of events, the other foreign manufacturers walked out of the hearing room while the Finnish consul lingered to shake hands with each commissioner. Later, when the $3.5M contract was finally awarded to Kone Oy, one of the port representatives was overheard saying, “The Finns really knew how to work that diplomatic angle.”

Not every project can be funneled through a local consulate.

The current Deputy Consul General of Germany, Klaus Bormann, shares that his office isn’t equipped to handle all commercial inquiries. Many are routinely referred to the German-American Chamber of Commerce in Atlanta because it is a government-sponsored agency with the needed resources, whereas the Miami chapter of the chamber is a private agency.

On the other hand, a Commercial Attache at the Turkish Consulate works closely with Consul General Feyza Barutcu-Altug, whose previous post was as Head of the Department for Maritime Affairs in the Foreign Ministry. A priority for both is to bring the cruise industry back to Turkey, though a plethora of other commercial projects also occupy their time.

It’s no surprise that one of our major trading partners – Canada – has consular offices headed by Consul General Sylvia Cesaretto, with an unusually large, dedicated staff for trade matters led by JeanPierre Hamel, with the title of Sr. Trade Commissioner and Consul.

But don’t believe you can just walk in with a vague idea of talking with “someone” about some indeterminate project you have in mind in Canada. As a former consul general said to this writer, “We expect you to do your homework first” – a common sentiment among all

CONSUL GENERAL SYLVIA CESARETTO HEADS A LARGE DEDICATED STAFF AT THE CANADIAN CONSULAR OFFICE IN MIAMI

consuls who combine their duties with trade-related matters.

Nations that follow the model of having a commercial attaché or trade officer (titles often vary) are hard to pinpoint by members of a needy or curious public. Almost none of the countries (more than eighty) with consulates in Miami include information in the Directory of the Consular Corps about staff dedicated to trade matters. One exception is the Vice Consulate of Hungary, which comes with an Economic Attaché, Aniko Kubatov.

AN INEXACT SCIENCE

Ever since the first foreign consul (from France) was accredited in 1778 in the newly independent nation of the United States (it would take the individual states much longer to get on the new consular bandwagon) absolute exactness of status alludes most of us today. The only official source confirming the accreditation of foreign consular officials is the U.S. State Department through its regional Office of Foreign Missions (OFM).

But since the OFM doesn’t keep a separate record of trade officers – only if they are also recognized as consuls – the business community usually relies on more easily available information, accurate or not. The result is confusion about when a trade inquiry should be directed to a consulate or to one of the dozen or so facilities outside that office. The fact that some of them are named a “trade center” (Malaysia, Taiwan, and Thailand) with others using “trade commission” (Italy and Spain) or versions of “investment promotion” or “export,” doesn’t generally help people seeking their assistance.

Even when a foreign consulate isn’t expected to involve itself 47

SPECIAL REPORT

in communities throughout the fifty states. So, is there any way the impact of these foreign officials on Miami can truly be determined?

For an answer, we look to functions traditionally considered “consular” in international law and custom. We know that the representatives from ninety-five nations who met in Vienna in 1963 were there to reach an agreement on the role of a foreign consul. The final version of the Vienna Convention’s relevant provision defines consular functions as commercial, economic, cultural, and scientific relations, and any other activities not prohibited by the laws of the receiving country. In this, there’s no distinction between career and honorary consuls.

Specifics about consular functions defined by the convention are much too detailed to outline here, but scholars have long streamlined consular activities into two broad categories: the business-related matters mentioned above and the category of citizen services. With more than 100,000 Germans living in Miami-Dade County, it’s easy to agree with Bormann that performing “consular work” relating to them is on top of his list of priorities – such as renewal of passports and other documentary processes, like guiding non-Americans through a visa application.

One person with her hand on the pulse of the civic and business engine known as the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce is Liane Ventura, Sr. Vice-President, and Executive Director of Foreign Trade Zone #32. A peerless source of referrals to Chamber interest groups such as the Consular Corps, she’s long observed that a large amount of new foreign business in Miami comes through visitors from abroad who have a sudden idea for a new enterprise, leading them to contact their consulates. “Often, they’re so focused on a commercial inquiry they don’t even realize they need a visa

Often, they’re so focused on a commercial inquiry they don’t even realize they need a visa extension or change of classification, and that their own consulates can’t do any of that...

LIANE VENTURA, ABOVE, SR. VICE-PRESIDENT, AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF FOREIGN TRADE ZONE #32 NABIL ACHKAR, RIGHT, WITH GABLES MAYOR VINCE LAGO AS HE RECIEVES A PLAQUE OF THANKS FROM GUATEMALA CONSUL GENERAL ROSA MERIDA DE MORA

with business transactions involving private enterprises from the nation it represents, consuls will often publicize their products or services. For instance, Ken Okaniwa, a former Consul General of Japan in Miami, used a local newspaper to tout the new fleet of Metrorail cars built locally by Japanese firm Hitashi, while opining that efficient mass transit should be part of the overall health of any metropolitan area.

Then there’s the special case of the Republic of China (Taiwan) with its active local representation through what’s called the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office. Because the United States doesn’t have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, the head of the Miami office – Charles Chou – cannot be accredited as a consul. Instead, his position comes with the title Director General.

Ever since U.S. President Coolidge said that “The business of America is business,” it’s often been said that commercial events occupy a major portion of what a consulate does, not just in Miami but 48

GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

(L-R): DR. FELICIA KNAUL, DR. JULIO FRENK, AND FORMER ITALIAN CONSUL CHRISTIANO MUSILLO RECEIVES AN AWARD AT A CEREMONY HOSTED BY UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI. SECRETARY ACHKAR IS ON THE RIGHT. BELOW: MEXICAN CONSUL GENERAL JONATHAN CHAIT MAKES AN IMPRESSION FOR MEXICO'S DAY OF THE DEAD CELEBRATIONS

Summit at the Biltmore Hotel in June 2022. The event opened with a cordial welcome by Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd and Lt. Governor Jeanette Nunez, after which the one-day gathering empowered consuls to interact with economic and commercial movers and shakers through a plethora of panel discussions and private talks over lunch.

Under the banner of “Connected in Business, United in Culture,” consuls were reminded that their influence is felt far beyond commercial activities alone. For instance, Facets of Education was an important panel discussion by the luminaries of our local universities. According to one study, recruitment of foreign students is a significant way to “shore up local economies and businesses.”

Education is, after all, a major economic driver; some reports claim that foreign students add billions of dollars to the national economy annually.

At one local public school both the German and the French consulates closely follow the progress of their individual language programs by ensuring they have material and financial support approved by their respective home governments.

Higher education, in particular the University of Miami (UM) and Florida International University (FIU), have long maintained close ties with local consuls in their pursuit of highly qualified undergraduate and graduate students from around the world, as well extension or change of classification, and that their own consulates can’t do any of that,” she says. “We direct them as much as we can to the right resources.” Miami also allows local consuls to use the Protocol Room at the airport, specifically set up for the purpose of receiving foreign dignitaries such as visiting ambassadors; even royalty has been met there by their local consul. “We’re the only place in the world with this kind of added bonus for our consuls,” she adds with obvious pride.

In close communication with Nabil Achkar, the decades-long, multi-lingual secretary extraordinaire of the Consular Corps, Ventura gets her information on the consuls from the directory the Lebanese native and bank executive maintains. “But information can change daily,” Achkar notes with frustration in his voice. This includes eight countries listed with “vacancies,” though filling these is naturally subject to the usual accreditation process.

Even the OFM, as the ultimate source of consular status, sometimes struggles with the accuracy of current information, particularly as it relates to honorary consuls. Since it’s no longer U.S. policy to list them separately, those appointed by the nations they represent as honorary consuls general – a classification adopted by the Vienna convention and appearing in S. Florida as well as nationwide – they aren’t distinguished as such in the OFM records.

Adding confusion is that former consuls often remain as Associate Members of the local Consular Corps, although that designation must be based on truthful prior status as determined by the OFM historical records.

CONNECTING TO THE CONSULAR CORPS

To encourage international trade by fostering economic and cultural opportunities, the Florida Department of State hosted a Consular 49

SPECIAL REPORT

as faculty with special skills.

At annual luncheons for the Consular Corps, Dr. Julio Frenk, former Mexican Minister of Health and current President of UM, likes to expound on the image of being a global university. At these events, he’s usually accompanied by his wife, Dr. Felicia Knaul, a tenured professor. The couple has a special relationship with the honorary consul of Poland, Blanka Rosenstiel, for her steadfast financial support of the institution and her shared ancestral roots with the First Lady of the university. FIU, on the other hand, takes a more scholarly approach, hosting speakers to address consuls on timely international events.

The impact of local consuls often goes beyond their traditional activities. One example frequently mentioned by civic leaders is Switzerland because of the Basel-based architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron that designed PAMM (the Perez Art Museum of Miami). Meanwhile, it was a botanist from France, Patrick Blanc, who conceived the Museum’s amazing hanging garden. Local contributions and influence may also be based on specific instructions from home governments, or the special interests or talents of the person in the consular position, whether career or honorary. In fact, the latter is often appointed by a foreign government specifically because of some distinctive expertise (like legal, IT, or investment) whereas consuls in career positions with the Foreign Service arm of their native governments may have to seek out locals to meet the needs of a consulate in particular situations.

Then there’s the frequent matter of turning to a local consul to find suitable venues for showcasing the culture of another nation in Miami. Thomas Abreu, the honorary consul of Monaco, said he felt privileged to arrange a recent visit by the Musical Ambassadors of his country, a Boys’ Choir established in 1974 by Grace Kelly’s hus50

ANIKO KUBATOV, VICE CONSUL AND ECONOMIC ATTACHE FOR HUNGARY AT A CONSULAR LUNCHEON

band, Prince Rainier, to promote the Principality around the world.

“They’ll be making Florida their primary stop in the future, because of the welcome we gave them here,” Abreu said. Then there are local cultural events where consuls general can be of great help, such as last year’s Day of the Dead celebration in front of Coral Gables City Hall, ably assisted by Mexican Consul General Jonathan Chait, who dressed as a devil for the outdoor event.

In the end, it may be the commercial links that are the most effective way for consuls to promote the trade and investment that lead to cultural intercourse. Because the Miami Tunnel project involved business entities from other countries, there were natural connections to local consuls – if not exactly in the nitty-gritty of legal matters (there are, after all, plenty of local law firms with expertise in French and U.S. business law), then in nurturing cross-cultural relationships between all parties. While the “best international standards” were used in the selection of the French construction company Bouygues, the “best equipment” was built in Germany for re-assembly in Florida. “These boring machines had to be transported on a German ship across the Atlantic, so having a cordial connection with local consular officials turned out to be a bonus when it came to understanding risk management,” said Hodgkins as he reiterated once again his conviction that “Person-to-person relations do make a difference.”

Today, many out-of-state consuls are taking the concept of building personal relationships even further. “They come to some of our Chamber events even from as far as Texas and California,” Ms. Ventura says. “And it’s all for the camaraderie of the Consular Corps.” l GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

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SPECIAL REPORT

CONSULAR OFFICES IN MIAMI: MEMBER LISTINGS All of the following offices are full consular offices with consular generals, except where marked HC for honorary consulates with honorary consuls

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

25 S.E. 2nd Avenue, Suite 300 Miami, FL 33131 Tel: (305) 381-6762 Consul General: Gilbert Antoine Boustany E-mail: cganubar@bellsouth.net Website: www.antiguabarbuda.gov.ag

Miami, FL 33132 Tel: (305) 373-6295 Consul General: Curt G. Hollingsworth E-mail: bcgmia@bellsouth.net Website: www.bahamasconmiami.com

Honorary Consul: Janine Sylvester Vega E-mail: miami.admin@mfa.gov.bz E-mail: miami.consul@mfa.gov.bz Website: www.belizeconsulatefla.com

BANGLADESH ARGENTINA

1101 Brickell Avenue, Suite 900 Miami, FL 33131 Tel: (305) 373-1889 Consul General: Ana de la Paz Tito (CG) E-mail: privada_cmiam@mrecic.gov.ar Website: www.cmiam.mrecic.gov.ar

AUSTRALIA (HC)

760 NW 107 Ave, Suite 320 Miami, FL 33172 Tel: (305) 640-5035 Consul General: Iqbal Ahmed E-mail: mission.florida@mofa.gov.bd E-mail: hoc.florida@mofa.gov.bd Website: florida.mofa.gov.bd

2121 Ponce de Léon Boulevard, Ste 1300 (PH) Coral Gables, FL 33134 Tel: (786) 515-1201 Consul General: Rudy W. Grant Email: rgrant@foreign.gov.bb Email Office: miami@foreign.gov.bb

AUSTRIA (HC)

BELGIUM (HC)

BAHAMAS

100 N. Biscayne Blvd., Suite 900 52

3750 NW 87 Street #240 Doral, FL 33178 Tel: (786) 536-9326 Consul General: Oscar Vega Camacho E-mail: generalconsulate@bellsouth.net E-mail: boliviamiami@gmail.com Website: www.consuladodebolivia.net

BARBADOS

1200 Anastasia Avenue, Suite CCA-100 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Tel: (305) 448-5672 Honorary Consul: Don Slesnick E-mail: donslesnick@scllp.com

2445 Hollywood Blvd.

Hollywood, FL 33022 Tel: (954) 925-1100 Open: Mon – Thu 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Honorary Consul: Werner H. Stemer E-mail: office@austrianconsulatemiami.com Web Site: www.austrianconsulatemiami.com

BOLIVIA

990 Biscayne Blvd, Suite 701 Miami, FL 33131 Tel: (305) 318-9788 Honorary Consul: Manuel Molina E-mail: consulmiami@gmail.com Website: www.diplobel.us

BELIZE (HC)

1600 Ponce de León Blvd, Suite 904 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Tel: (305) 503-5741

BRAZIL

3150 S.W. 38th Avenue Miami, FL 33146 Tel: (305) 285-6200 Consul General: Andre Odenbreit Carvalho E-mail: cg.miami@itamaraty.gov.br Website: www.miami.itamaraty.gov.br

BULGARIA (HC)

700 N.W. 1st Avenue, Suite 1200 Miami, FL 33136-4118 Tel: (305) 539-7433 Honorary Consul: Andrew Joshua Markus E-mail: jmarkus@carltonfields.com

CANADA

200 S. Biscayne Blvd, Suite 1600 GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

North Miami, FL 33181 Tel: (586) 303-7646 Honorary Consul: Stanislav Jansta (HC) E-mail: miami@honorary.mzv.cz E-mail: czdiplomat@gmail.com Website: www.mzv.cz/jnp/en/diplomatic_missions/czech_missions_abroad /united_states_ of_america_honorary_14.html Miami, FL 33131 Tel: (305) 579-1600 Consul General: Sylvia Cesaratto E-mail: sylvia.cesaratto@international.gc.ca E-mail: miami@international.gc.ca Website: www.miami.gc.ca

ESTONIA (HC)

66 West Flagler Street, 7th Floor Miami, FL 33130 Tel: (305) 773-6227 Honorary Consul: Jorge L. Viera E-mail: joviro47@hotmail.com

DENMARK (HC)

213 East Sheridan Street, Suite 3 Dania Beach, FL 33004 Tel: (954) 967-8800 Honorary Consul: Jonathan H. Rosenthal E-mail: jon@jrosenthallaw.com

CHILE

FINLAND (HC)

800 Brickell Avenue, Suite 1200 Miami, FL 33131 Tel: (786) 425-0625 Consul General: Daniel Ortiz E-mail: miami@consulado.gob.cl Website: www.chile.gob.cl/miami

78 SW 7 Street, 9th Floor Miami, FL 33130 Tel: (305) 403-9747 Honorary Consul: Alex de Carvalho Email: adecarvalho@gmail.com Website: www.finland.org

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

COLOMBIA

1038 Brickell Avenue Miami, FL 33131 Tel: (305) 358-3220 Consul General: Geanilda Vasquez E-mail: despachomiami@mirex.gob.do Website: www.miacons.com

FRANCE

280 Aragon Ave. Coral Gables, FL 33134 Tel: (305) 450-2470 Deputy Consul: Edgard Monroy E-mail: cmiami@cancilleria.gov.co Website: www.miami.consulado.gov.co

Brickell Arch, 1395 Brickell Avenue, Ste 1050 Miami, FL 33132 Tel: (305) 403-4150 Consul General: Raphael Trapp E-mail: raphael.trapp@diplomatie.gouv.fr Website: www.miami.consulfrance.org

ECUADOR

COSTA RICA

2730 S.W. 3rd Avenue, Suite 401 Miami, FL 33129 Tel: (786) 655-0990 Consul General: Ludmila Patricia Ugalde Email: lugalde@rree.go.cr E-mail: consuladomiami@rree.go.cr Website: www.costarica-embassy.org

117 N.W. 42 Avenue, Units Cu-4 & Cu-5 Miami, FL 33126 Tel: (305) 539-8214 Consul General: Maria Josefa Coronel Intriago E-mail: cecumiami@cancilleria.gob.ec Website: www.cancilleria.gob.ec

(Currently Vacant)

EL SALVADOR

CZECH REPUBLIC (HC)

133258 Arch Creek Road

GEORGIA (HC)

8550 N.W. 33 Street, Suite #100 Doral, FL 33122 Tel: (305) 592-6978 Consul General: Ricardo Cucalon Email: consulado.doral33@gmail.com E-mail: jclaros@rree.gob.sv Website: www.rree.gob.sv

GERMANY

100 N. Biscayne Blvd, Suite 2200 Miami, FL 33132 Tel: (305) 358-0290 Consul General: Christofer Burger E-mail: L-VZ1@miam.diplo.de E-mail: info@miami.diplo.de Website: www.germany.info/miami 53

SPECIAL REPORT

GRENADA

11900 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 740 North Miami, FL 33181–2733 Tel: (305) 5702716 x.101 Consul General: Alexander Shnaider Email: gdacgmiami@grenadaconsulatemiami.org E-mail: grenadaconsulatemiami@gmail.com Website: www.grenadaconsulatemiami.org

Consul General: Deysi Suyapa Tosta E-mail: deysittosta@gmail.com Email: proteccionhn.miami@gmail.com

E-mail: cg.sec@miami.mfa.gov.il Website: www.consulateisrael.com

ITALY HUNGARY GUATEMALA

999 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 100 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Tel: (305) 6799945,46,47 Consul General: Rosa Maria Merida de Mora E-mail: rmdemora@minex.gob.gt E-mail: consmiami@minex.gob.gt Website: www.consuladoguatemalamiami.org

2121 Ponce De Leon, Suite 732 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Tel: (305) 394-5089 Vice Consul: Viktoria Sass Email: v.sass@mfa.gov.hu Email: info.mia@mfa.gov.hu Website: www.miami.mfa.gov.hu

4000 Ponce De Leon Blvd, Suite 590 Coral Gables, FL 33146 Tel: (305) 374-6322 Consul General: Michele Mistò E-mail: italianconsulate.miami@esteri.it E-mail: segreteria.miami@esteri.it Website: www.consmiami.esteri.it

JAMAICA ICELAND (HC) GUYANA (HC)

6444 N.W. 7th Avenue Miami, FL 33150 Tel: (786) 235-0431 Honorary Consul: Ramzan Roshanali E-mail: ramali693@aol.com E-mail: guyconfl@aol.com

2661 NE 22nd Street Pompano Beach, FL 33062 Tel: (954) 478-7654 Honorary Consul: Matthias Eggertsson E-mail: m@dreggertsson.com Website: www.dreggertsson.com Website: www.iceland.org/us

44 West Flagler Street, Suite 400 Miami, FL 33130 Tel: (305) 374-8431 Consul General: Roderick Oliver Mair E-mail: consulgeneral@jamaicacgmiami.org Email: jamconmia@jamaicacgmiami.org Website: www.jamaicacgmiami.org

JAPAN

HAITI

259 S.W. 13th Street Miami, FL 33130 Tel: (305) 859-2003 Open: Mon - Fri 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Consul General: Mario Chouloute E-mail: cg.miami@diplomatie.ht Website: www.haitianconsulatemiami.org

HONDURAS

777 NW 72nd Avenue Suite #3018 Miami, FL 33126 Tel: 786-852-1402 or 786-909-0226 54

IRELAND

201 Biscayne Blvd., 28th Floor Miami, FL 33131 Tel: (305) 913-1326 Consul General: Sarah Kavanagh E-mail: sarah.kavanagh@dfa.ie Website: www.dfa.ie/irish-consulate/miami E-mail: miamicgexternalmail@dfa.ie

80 S.W. 8th Street, Suite 3200 Miami, FL 33130 Tel: (305) 530-9090 Consul General: Kazuhiro Nakai Email: kazuhiro.nakai@mi.mofa.go.jp E-mail: secretary@mi.mofa.go.jp Website: www.miami.us.emb-japan.go.jp

ISRAEL

100 N. Biscayne Blvd, Suite 1800 Miami, FL 33132 Tel: (305) 925-9400 Consul General: Maor Elbaz-Starinsky

KAZAKHSTAN (HC)

16051 Collins Avenue GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160 Tel: (305)915-5545 Honorary Consul: Emmanuil Grinshpun Email: emmanuil@grinshpun.org

Honorary Consul: James Cassel E-mail: miami@consul-hon.lu Websites: https://gouvernement.lu https://luxembourg.lu

KOREA (HC)

MALI (HC)

(Presently Vacant)

LATVIA (HC)

3122 West Buena Vista Drive Margate, FL 33063 Tel: (954) 236-6374, 201-6433 Barry Mowell (HC) E-mail: bmowell@broward.edu Website: www.latvia-florida.org/

(Currently Vacant)

West Palm Beach, FL 33407 Tel: (561) 800-4013 Honorary Consul: Danilo R. Ivancevic E-mail: thdanilo@ivancevic.com Website: www.montenegroconsul.com

MOROCCO (HC)

2004 S.W. 7th Avenue Miami, FL 33129 Honorary Consul: Eduardo J. Padrón December 9, 2015 E-mail: epadron626@bellsouth.net

MALTA (HC)

Shutts & Bowen, LLP, 200 S. Biscayne Blvd., Suite 4100 Miami, FL 33131 Tel: (305) 347-7346 Honorary Consul: Arthur J. Furia Email: art@arthurfuria.com Email: maltaconsul.miami@gov.mt

THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS 701 Brickell Avenue, Suite 1600 Miami, FL 33131 Tel: (786) 866-0480 Consul General: Lisette den Breems E-mail: mia-cdp@minbuza.nl Website: www.nlintheusa.com

LEBANON (HC)

(Presently Vacant)

MEXICO

2555 Ponce de Leon, 4th Floor Coral Gables, FL 33134 Tel: (786) 268-4881 / Consul General: Jonathan Chait Auerbach E-mail: asistenteconmia@sre.gob.mx Website: www.consulmex.sre.gob.mx/miami

NEW ZEALAND (HC) (Currently vacant)

LITHUANIA (HC)

3100 N. Ocean Blvd. # 1210 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 Tel: (954) 366-9441 Honorary Consul: John V. Prunskis E-mail: lithuaniaconsul@protonmail.com

MONACO (HC)

1600 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 1019 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Tel: (786) 369-0484 Honorary Consul: Tomas J. Abreu E-mail: tomabreu@monaco-miami.org Website: www.monaco-miami.org

NICARAGUA

1332 West Flagler St. Miami, FL 33125 Tel: (305) 265-1415, 0390 Consul General: Marvin Rene Ortega E-mail: contactenos@consuladonicamiami.com Website: www.consuladonicamiami.com

NORTH MACEDONIA (HC) LUXEMBOURG (HC)

801 Brickell Avenue, #1900 Miami, FL 33131 Tel: (305) 438-7701

MONTENEGRO (HC)

5900 N. Australian Ave., Suite 3

1435 Yellowheart Way Hollywood, FL 33019 Tel: (954) 923-4343 55

SPECIAL REPORT

E-mail: mlizarraga@consulado-peru.com Email: informacion@consulado-peru.com Website: www.consulado.pe/es/miami

Honorary Consul: Dana Klein E-mail: macedoniahcg@gmail.com Website: www.dkmc.com

SAINT LUCIA PHILIPPINES (HC) (Currently Vacant)

2 Alhambra Plaza, Suite 850 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Tel: (786) 502-3351 Consul General: Darrel Montrope Email: darrel.montrope@govt.lc Email: st.lucia.consulate.miami@gmail.com

NORWAY (HC)

800 S. Douglas RD, Suite 580 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Tel: (305) 358-4386 Honorary Consul: Trond S. Jensen E-mail: cg@rncgmiami.com Website: www.norway.org

PANAMÁ

5775 Blue Lagoon Drive, Suite 200 Miami, FL 33126 Tel: (305) 447-3700 Consul General: Ricardo A. Gaitan Email: rgaitan@mire.gob.pa E-mail: miamiconsulado@gmail.com Website: ConsuladodePanamaenMiami.com

POLAND (HC)

1440 79th Street Causeway, # 117 Miami, FL 33141 Tel: (305) 866-0077 Honorary Consul: Blanka Rosenstiel E-mail: polconsulfl@yahoo.com

SIERRA LEONE

1001 Brickell Bay Drive Suite 1716 Miami, FL 33131 Tel: (786) 703-5321 Consul General: George Hamilton Email: georgeh@consulateofsierraleonemiami.com

PORTUGAL (HC)

2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Suite 300 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Tel: (786) 441-5182 Honorary Consul: Carolina Rendeiro Email: rendeirocarolina@gmail.com Email: hcportugalmiami@gmail.com Website: www.washingtondc.embaixadaportugal.mne.pt

SINGAPORE (HC)

1515 Sunset Drive, Suite #44 Coral Gables, FL 33143 Tel: (305) 798-0113 Honorary Consul: Steven J. Green E-mail: info@sg-miami-consulate.org

PARAGUAY

2655 Le Jeune Road, Suite 910 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Tel: (305) 374-9090 Consul General: Justo Apodaca Paredes E-mail: justoapodaca70@gmail.com E-mail: info@consulparmiami.org Website: www.consulparmiami.org

ROMANIA

SLOVAK REPUBLIC (HC)

SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS (HC)

SLOVENIA (HC)

1101 Brickell Avenue, Suite N600 Miami, FL 33131 Tel: (305) 763-8880 Consul General: Catalin Ghenea Email: miami@mae.ro Website: www.miami.mae.ro

PERU

1401 Ponce de Leon Boulevard Coral Gables, FL 33134 Tel: (786) 713-2400 Consul General: Martha Lizarraga Picciotti 56

(Currently Vacant)

13325 Arch Creek Road Miami, FL 33181 Tel: (239) 822-8409 Honorary Consul: Cecilia Rokusek E-mail: Cecilka2753@gmail.com Website: www.emb.washington@nzv.sk

(Currently Vacant) GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

Coral Gables, FL 33134 Tel: (305) 445-7577 Honorary Consul: Maria D. Sariol E-mail: mdsariol.law@gmail.com E-mail: thaiconsulatemiami@hotmail.com Website: www.thaiconsulatemiami.com

SPAIN

E-Mail: uganda.florida@yahoo.com E-Mail: pnielsen@ugandaconsul.us

2655 LeJeune Rd., Suite 203 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Tel: (305) 446-5511 Consul General: Jaime Lacadena E-mail: cog.miami@maec.es Website: exteriores.gob.es/consulados/miami

TOGO (HC)

600 Brickell Avenue, Suite 3800 Miami, FL 33131 Tel: (305) 371-4286 Honorary Consul: Michael S. Hacker E-Mail: hackerlaw.international@aol.com Website: www.togoconsulatemiami.com

SURINAME

7205 Corporate Center Drive, Suite #302 Miami, FL 33126 Tel: (786) 461-7774 Consul General: Rene Pika E-mail: cons.miami@gov.sr Website: www.scgmia.com

UNITED KINGDOM

1001 Brickell Bay Drive, Suite 2800 Miami, FL 33131 Tel: (305) 400-6400 Consul General: Rufus Drabble Email: ukinflorida@fcdo.gov.uk Email: rufus.drabble@fcdo.gov.uk Website: www.gov.uk/world/usa

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

1000 Brickell Avenue, Suite 800 Miami, FL 33131 Tel: (305) 374-2199 Vice Consul: Reshma Dookie-Ramkissoon E-mail: consulatemiami@foreign.gov.tt Website:www.foreign.gov.tt/cgmiami

URUGUAY

2103 Coral Way, Suite 600 Miami, FL 33145 Tel: (305) 443-7453/7253 Consul General: Maria Virginia Tebot Denis E-mail: cgmiami@mrree.gub.uy Website: www.embassyofuruguay.us/miami

SWEDEN (HC)

4101 Ravenswood Road, Suite 307 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Tel: (954) 467-3507 Honorary Consul: Peter Hult E-mail: fortlauderdale@consulateofsweden.org Website: consulateofsweden-fortlauderdale.org

TUNISIA (HC)

1800 S.W. 1st Avenue, Suite 403 Miami, FL 33129 Tel: (305) 858-5456 Honorary Consul: Deborah Balliette-Jacobson E-mail: tunisianconsulatemiami@gmail.com Website: www.tunisiaonline.com

VENEZUELA

1101 Brickell Avenue, Suite 300 Miami, FL 33131 Tel: (305) 888-0677 (Temporarily Closed)

SWITZERLAND (HC)

1111 Brickell Avenue, Suite 2200 Miami, FL 33131 Tel: (305) 895-5008 Honorary Consul: René Riedi E-Mail: miami@honrep.ch Website: www.eda.admin.ch

TÜRKIYE

80 S.W. 8 Street, Suite 2700 Miami, FL 33130 Tel: (786) 655-0315 Consul General: Feyza Barutçu Altuğ E-mail: consulate.miami@mfa.gov.tr Website: www.miami.bk.mfa.gov.tr

UGANDA (HC) THAILAND (HC)

2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 300

6710 Inland Ct. Jupiter, FL 33410 Tel: (561) 676-4808 Honorary Consul: Peter S. Nielsen

REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN)

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami 2333 Ponce de León Blvd, Suite 610 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Tel: (305) 443-8917 Charles Chou, Director General E-mail: secretary.mia@mofa.gov.tw Website: www.taiwanembassy.org/usmia_en 57

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City Report:

Barranquilla COLOMBIA’S “GOLDEN GATE” BECKONS FOR BUSINESS WITH U.S. NEARSHORING, CALL CENTERS AND INVESTMENT

Sponsored by AMCHAM Barranquilla Atlantic Quantum Innovations­­ • The Caribbean Health Group • Florida International Tax Advisors LATAM • King Ocean • Lean Solutions Group • MIA • Pay Cargo • Port Everglades Port Miami • Seaboard Marine • Tecnoglass • Winston & Strawn LLP • World Trade Center Miami

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SPECIAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS SPECIAL REPORT

PUBLISHER

Richard Roffman EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

J.P. Faber

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ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Gail Feldman

CITY REPORT: BARRANQUILLA Colombia’s fourth largest metro area by population, the port city of Barranquilla is now building a reputation as a hub for “nearshoring,” both in manufacturing for U.S. sales and in call-centers for their U.S. clients.

SENIOR VP INTERNATIONAL

Manny Mencia

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Monica Del Carpio-Raucci SALES AND PARTNERSHIPS

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MANAGING EDITOR

Kylie Wang

THE NEW OFFSHORING How furniture-maker Kannoa moved production from China to Barranquilla, employing about 130 people in Colombia.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Yousra Benkirane

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Jon Braeley

PHOTOGRAPHERS

GOING BI-LINGUAL

Rodolfo Benitez

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

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Pete De La Torre

BOARD OF ADVISORS

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86

86

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SNAPSHOTS

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Ivan Barrios, World Trade Center Miami Ralph Cutié, Miami International Airport Gary Goldfarb, Interport Bill Johnson, Strategic Economic Forum Roberto Munoz, The Global Financial Group David Schwartz, FIBA EDITORIAL BOARD

CELEBRATE ON

Four international stars from the Colombian city live or have lived in greater Miami.

CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION

DORAL AMBASSADOR

MOVING TO MIAMI

Barranquilla’s pre-Lenten Carnival shines as Colombia’s largest cultural extravaganza.

Toni Kirkland CircIntel

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Why Barranquilla companies are investing in South Florida such as Fintotex company and ProCaps.

WRITER

Doreen Hemlock ART DIRECTOR

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Atlantic Quantum Innovation is building a new center set to employ approximately 4,500 people.

Sherry Adams Amy Donner Andrew Kardonski Gail Scott

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Alice Ancona, World Trade Center Miami Greg Chin, Miami International Airport Tiffany Comprés, FisherBroyles Paul Griebel, Venture for America James Kohnstamm, Beacon Council John Price, Americas Market Intelligence TJ Villamil, Enterprise Florida Global Miami Magazine is published monthly by Global Cities Media, LLC. 1200 Anastasia Ave., Suite 217, Coral Gables, FL 33134. Telephone: (305) 452-0501. Copyright 2023 by Global Cities Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph, or illustration without prior written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Send address changes to subscriptions@ globalmiamimagazine.com. General mailbox email and letters to editor@globalmiamimagazine.com GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

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City Report:

Barranquilla MANUFACTURING, NEARSHORING, CALL CENTERS AND INVESTMENT

TECNOGLASS IS THE LARGEST MANUFACTURER IN BARRANQUILLA, MAKING SPECIALTY WINDOWS USED IN HIGH-RISES ACROSS FLORIDA AND THE U.S INCLUDING MIAMI’S BRICKELL CITY CENTRE

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BY DOREEN HEMLOCK

What’s most important is people.

Everyone in Tecnoglass has my personal phone number and email.

CHRISTIAN DAES, ABOVE, COO OF TECNOGLASS

B

arranquilla, Colombia – This tropical city off the Caribbean coast is best known overseas for its cultural and sports treasures: its festive Carnival, singer Shakira, actress Sofia Vergara, fashion designer Silvia Tcherassi, and baseball great Edgar Renteria, to name a few.

Now, the port city is building a reputation as a hub for “nearshoring,” both in manufacturing for U.S. sales and in call-centers for U.S. clients. It’s also emerging as a model for sustainability. Its public parks program just won a global prize, chosen among entries from 155 cities. And it’s the first district in Colombia rolling out English studies in all public middle- and high-schools, aiming to ensure the language skills for long-term business with its top trade partner, the United States.

Colombia’s fourth largest metro area by population, Barranquilla is leveraging its location as the country’s big city closest to the U.S. It’s just 2.5 hours by air from Miami, a flight shorter than the Miami-New York route. Executives from Florida can fly in and out the same day. And Barranquilla is just three to four days by ship

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USA

Barranquilla at a Glance Population: 1.2 million in the city proper and 2.7 million in the Atlantico Department (state).

Miami

Ranking: Capital of Atlantico Department and Colombia’s fourth most populous city.

Economy: Manufacturing and port activities, with 25+ industrial parks and four free-trade zones; growing tourism. Atlantico represents about 4% of Colombia’s economy and 5% of its population.

Barranquilla Cartagena

Santa Marta

Medellin Bogota

COLOMBIA

Economic Growth: About 4% yearly over the past decade, faster than Colombia’s national average, thanks largely to closer collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Trade: Exports of $2.4 billion in 2022, with the U.S. as its top trade partner.

Links to South Florida: Daily flights to Miami and to Fort Lauderdale that take about 2.5 hours; at least twice a week shipping service to South Florida, with freight arriving in as little as three days.

Source: ProBarranquilla agency; AmCham Barranquilla.

Our orientation as a port city is international.

We see the United States as our natural partner and Florida as our primary gateway to the U.S. VICKY IBAÑEZ, SHOWN RIGHT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN BARRANQUILLA

from South Florida, with freight costs now as low as $1,600 for a 40-foot container, cheaper than many transits within Colombia or within the U.S. itself.

“Our orientation as a port city is international. We see the United States as our natural partner and Florida as our primary gateway to the U.S.,” says Vicky Ibañez, executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Barranquilla, the largest AmCham chapter in Colombia relative to city size.

BUILDING ON ITS HISTORY AS COLOMBIA’S “GOLDEN GATE” Barranquilla’s location by the Caribbean and proximity to Florida has long been key to its development. In the early 1900s, especially around World War II, its seaport welcomed diverse immigrants, including Jews from Europe plus Middle Easterners, both Christian and Muslim. That influx prompted its nickname “Colombia’s Golden Gate” and explains why Middle Eastern food now is considered “local” cuisine.

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The city also was the launchpad for Colombian aviation. The airline that became Avianca, Colombia’s flag carrier, began in Barranquilla in 1919, making it the world’s second oldest after the Netherlands’ KLM. Initial flights from the airport, named Ernesto Cortissoz for an Avianca president, headed to South Florida.

When Colombia started free trade-zones to encourage exports, Barranquilla opened the first one – back in 1958. That zone now hosts some 70 companies, most selling to the U.S. Still, it’s only been in the past 16 years that Barranquilla has shaken off its late 20th century doldrums to again shine among Colombia’s dynamos. The spark came from a group of visionary mayors led by Alex Char, the son of a wealthy family that owns Colombia’s Olimpica supermarkets and other businesses. Char was elected in 2007, pledging to forge a public-private partnership and tackle such pressing problems as severe flooding after rains. He delivered, even installing underground pipes to channel rainwater. Barred from consecutive terms, he was re-elected in 2015 and just won re-election for another four-year term starting in January. Peers from his group have won in between, providing continuity in policy and laying out a city plan through 2100, with an emphasis on international business.

“The most important change in these 16 years is our mentality.

Now, we think big and long-term,” says Lelio Sotomonte, who runs the city’s biggest call center, Atlantic Quantum Innovation, which serves many U.S. clients. “We’re reclaiming our role as Colombia’s Golden Gate.”

TECNOGLASS: BARRANQUILLA’S LARGEST MANUFACTURER The clearest example of Barranquilla’s near-shoring success comes from Tecnoglass, a company founded by a family of Middle Eastern heritage. It is now listed on the New York Stock Exchange and soon

THE MONUMENT VENTANA AL MUNDO (WINDOW TO THE WORLD)

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LELIO SOTOMONTE, BELOW, ATLANTIC QUANTUM INNOVATION

to reach $1 billion in annual sales. Tecnoglass makes specialty windows used in numerous high-rises across Florida and the U.S., including Miami’s Brickell City Centre and its One Thousand Museum tower.

Tecnoglass started out in 1983 making solar water heaters for Colombian homes but pivoted with changing market conditions. In the 1990s, it began exporting specialty glass to Miami, and in the 2000s, started selling its specialty windows in South Florida. In the 2010s, it listed its stock on Wall Street, first on the Nasdaq exchange.

Last year, it posted sales topping $716 million, almost all in the U.S., from Miami to Chicago and as far west as San Francisco, says chief operating officer Christian Daes.

“We went public on Wall Street not for money, but for credibility. Outside Miami, when we’d say we’re from Colombia, we’d often get questions like: ‘Where is Colombia? What can I do if there’s no delivery?,’” Daes says. “After listing, we could say, ‘Look at our stock ticker and reports. We’re for real.’ ” Tecnoglass now employs more than 9,000 people in Barranquilla, making up to 3,000 custom windows daily and even mobilizing robots for inventory control. To keep exports growing, the company just moved its global headquarters to Miami. Daes commutes regularly from Florida to the Barranquilla factories, as he also develops a large Miami area showroom to serve their U.S. clients.

Beyond exports, Tecnoglass stands out in Barranquilla for the city monuments that it has donated and maintains. In the past five years, it’s unveiled the colorful Ventana Al Mundo (Window to the World), often shown on TV as the city’s icon and rising some 15 stories; and Ventana de Campeones (Window of Champions), a landmark often called “Shark Fin” that stands about 10-floors high.

Daes calls the landmarks part of his company’s “social responGLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

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CRUISE & CARGO WORKING TOGETHER

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ABOVE: BARRANQUILLA IS LOCATED ON MAGDALENA RIVER WITH ACCESS TO THE CARIBBEAN SEA ABOVE RIGHT: MARCELA BARRIOS, VP OF THE BARRANQUILLA FREE ZONE

“Nearshoring is not just for companies, but for the people who come to do business here,” says Barrios. “We’re a city with Germans, Americans, Middle Easterners, and a multiplicity of cultures and cuisines that makes newcomers feel welcome.”

Also vital for nearshoring: strong sea and air links. Barranquilla’s main seaport has been diversifying its services and investing to grow. Since 2021, the Port of Barranquilla has been owned by Miami-based infrastructure fund iSquare Capital, which has helped ASSETS FOR NEAR-SHORING: FREE-TRADE ZONES, update operations, trim costs, and reduce accidents, says chief SEAPORTS, AIRPORTS operating officer Aldo Signorelli. The seaport now offers most forms digitally so that users can pay bills online and track cargo status in Located on the lowlands of the Magdalena River some 15 miles real time. Last year, the port’s terminal handled some 5 million tons inland from the Caribbean Sea, Barranquilla touts more than proxof freight, from containers to liquids and breakbulk, to place among imity to the U.S. to attract nearshoring. Its four free-trade zones also Colombia’s five busiest. Service to South Florida came from at least offer tax breaks and other incentives for exporters. Hundreds of com- two Miami-based lines, Seaboard Marine and King Ocean. panies now operate in the zones, making everything from shampoo The seaport is expanding into logistics services too. It now offers to scaffolding, mainly for U.S. buyers. Some, such as outdoor furnia large, refrigerated warehouse for perishable and frozen goods, ture maker Kannoa, have relocated production from distant China. which handles exports of avocados, blueberries, and frozen fruits and Costs are part of the lure. At today’s exchange rates, Colombia’s vegetables for the U.S. and other nations. Plus, there’s space for more minimum wage runs about $300 per month, slightly less than Mex- projects on its sprawling acreage, says Rene Puche, the seaport chief ico’s and about a third of Costa Rica’s, says Manuel Herrera, general for 10 years. He left a career with a Norwegian fertilizer company, manager of the Cayena Free Zone, the busiest zone in Barranquilla. which included years in Europe and Africa, to return to his homeCayena now hosts tenants that directly employ about 3,000 people, town and lead the port, encouraged by the city’s turnaround and its double the number two years ago, Herrera says. growing collaboration with business. “There’s an honest and open diSince the COVID pandemic, businesses are looking more alogue between the private sector and government on ways to foster at “quality-of-life” issues for managers and staff, and Barranquilla long-term growth and sustainable development,” says Puche. is gaining there too, says Marcela Barrios, vice president of the Barranquilla’s airport also is becoming more international in Barranquilla Free Zone, the city’s first zone and the only one with focus. Besides flights to many Colombian cities, it now serves some its own seaport. The metro area of some 2 million residents now half-dozen destinations overseas in the U.S., Panama, Dominican offers a miles-long riverwalk, a mangrove eco-park, award-winning Republic, and the Dutch Caribbean islands. American Airlines flies restaurants, and more international schools. daily from Miami and Spirit Airlines daily from Fort Lauderdale.

sibility,” which also features college scholarships for employees and their families, on-site health clinics and sports facilities at factories, wheelchair donations, and strong participation in the Barranquilla Carnival, among other programs.

“What’s most important is people,” says Daes, whose family immigrated to Colombia a century ago seeking opportunity. “Everyone in Tecnoglass has my personal phone number and email.”

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In the footsteps of author Gabriel Garcia Marquez Before earning the Nobel Prize winner for literature in 1982, Colombia’s most celebrated author Gabriel Garcia Marquez lived and wrote in Barranquilla. Born in the nearby province of Magdalena in the small town of Aracataca, he grew up in the port city, and in the 1950s worked at its newspaper El Heraldo. He was part of a mid-century cadre of artists, writers, and intellectuals dubbed the Barranquilla Group.

Today, visitors can trace some of his footsteps at a remodeled version of La Cueva bar that the group frequented. The house that hosted the bar has been renovated as a restaurant and cultural center, full of photos of “Gabo” and his peers, plus memorabilia and exhibits.

One notable motif: footprints of an elephant set in concrete and painted gold on the home’s verandah. The story goes that La Cueva’s owner, Eduardo Vila, told patrons he was closing one day, insisting “not even an elephant can make me open.” One patron noticed a circus in town, paid off a circus worker and showed up at the house with an elephant. Staffers will suggest that you make a wish by placing your hands on a block of ice, the very substance “discovered” in the first line of Gabo’s novel “100 Years of Solitude.”

Several civic groups in Barranquilla now are working to develop a “Macondo Route,” named for the town in that epic novel. They envision La Cueva among some 15 stops in the city and 50-plus locations nationwide. In South Florida, a film critic wants to honor Gabo too.

Hernando Olivares, who was born in Barranquilla and lived in Miami, is raising funds to make a full-length movie about Garcia Marquez, focusing on his Heraldo newspaper days and tentatively titled “A Coffee for Gabo.”

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RENE PUCHE, THE SEAPORT CHIEF, SAYS THERE’S SPACE FOR MORE PROJECTS ON ITS SPRAWLING ACREAGE

Colombia’s Avianca also flies from the city to Miami several times a week, says Marcel Di Muzio, the marketing manager with the airport’s private operator.

The airport handled a record 3.1 million passengers in 2022, up from 2.8 million in 2019, as more visitors came to Barranquilla for business travel, Carnival festivities, and increasingly, for medical tourism at the city’s abundant eye-care and dental clinics, says Di Muzio. He sees room for growth not only for passengers and cargo but also for refueling and maintenance. The airport has a lengthy runway – about 10,000 feet long – that already serves as a landing strip for U.S. Air Force jets on maneuvers over Colombia.

“We can land the world’s largest planes like the A380 with no problem, and being at sea level, can become a hub for refueling too,” the tri-lingual di Muzio told Global Miami Magazine.

TOUTING FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES To spread the word about its offerings, Barranquilla is turning to conventions, some at its newly built, riverfront Puerta de Oro Convention Center, touted to hold up to 16,000 people cocktail-style.

The city recently beat out larger rivals to host the Latin American convention of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). The Dec. 4-6 event is set draw some 1,000 ports leaders, users, and suppliers from dozens of countries to the center, both for talks and for city tours.

Port leaders see the timing as especially propitious. Seaports near the U.S. now have an edge in the transport of goods to U.S. buyers: Ocean shipping averts the serious congestion and delays facing trucks crossing the U.S.-Mexico land border, making water transit generally faster, less costly, and more environmentally sound, says Rafael J. Diaz-Balart, the Cuba-born, Miami-based executive who GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

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A Global Model for “BiodiverCity” To understand Barranquilla’s rise as a “BiodiverCity,” you need only stroll along the Malecon promenade above, that spans more than four miles along the Magdalena River. The public park now attracts at least 10 million visitors a year for walks, family outings, meals, or other activities, according to city estimates.

Barranquilla opened the Malecon in 2017 after offering incentives for factories to leave the riverfront. The promenade is central to the city’s “Everyone to the Park” program, which now has more than 90 percent of residents living within an eight-minute walk of a public park. The World Resources Institute’s Ross Center for Cities gave the program its 2021-22 grand prize, selected from 260 submissions by 155 cities in 65 countries. The U.S.-based center praised Barranquilla as Colombia’s first “BiodiverCity” and an urban model.

The “Todos Al Parque” program developed from a business mission to Tampa in western Florida, led by the American Chamber of Commerce-Barranquilla. Visitors admired Tampa’s riverwalk and abundant parks, and the mayor’s office asked Tampa for help in how best to create and run parks. It then worked with local neighborhoods to gain input on their needs and engage them to improve the public spaces.

Over the past decade, Barranquilla has revitalized 200-plus parks and opened some 50 more, adding benches, playgrounds, and exercise gear, plus access ramps for seniors and families with small children. Funding came partly from the regional Andean Development Corp., known by its initials in Spanish as CAF, with support from the Inter-American Development Bank, France, and the United Kingdom, among others.

Barranquilla also is part of the “BiodiverCities by 2030 program,” developed by the World Economic Forum, which recommends “nature-based solutions” to boost urban resilience. Solar panels on city government buildings are part of that push, cutting costs for energy and trimming carbon emissions. Says Mayor Jaime Pumarejo: “BiodiverCity can be a motor of development.”

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RAFAEL J. DIAZ-BALART, AAPA COORDINATOR FOR LATIN AMERICA

is AAPA’s coordinator for Latin America. “Don’t let this moment pass by to take advantage of nearshoring in Colombia,” Diaz-Balart told a meeting in Barranquilla, a city where he says people “embrace visitors like members of your family.”

Going forward, many see opportunity beyond manufacturing – into cleaner energy. Already, the mayor’s office is installing solar panels on government buildings to expand renewables as part of its “BiodiverCity” push. Barranquilla recently teamed with a Danish company to explore the development of a 350 MW offshore wind farm that would be Colombia’s first, tapping the area’s strong winds.

Plus, studies show the Atlantico Department has potential to develop natural-gas reserves offshore that could boost exports.

“We have everything we need to be an energy hub not only for Colombia but for the world,” says Vicky Osorio, executive director of investment promotion group ProBarranquilla. She envisions the city mobilizing its skills in metal-working to build industrial components for a growing energy sector.

There’s also a push to expand business promotion along Colombia’s entire Caribbean coast, with Barranquilla teaming up with such nearby cities as Cartagena and Santa Marta – much as South Florida’s Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties often collaborate to attract investment.

“If we jointly promote Colombia’s Caribbean region, we can attract more attention and more business for us all,” says the tri-ligual Osorio. She worked in investment promotion for varied entities from New York, Bogota, and Brazil but returned to Barranquilla two years ago to help her now transforming hometown.

Key to the future, leaders say, will be keeping up both the strong union between business and government and the long-term vision, sparked by Char and his peers. “Right now, we’re all aligned and working together for the city to progress,” says Osorio, proud of changes made since the 2000s. “What’s important is continuity of the private-public partnership for decades to come.” l GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

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W

hen Miami-based entrepreneur Luis Blasini was looking for a place to manufacture outdoor furniture in the early 2000s, the choice was clear: Guangzhou, China, where a cluster of companies had been making furniture for decades, where employees knew the craft well and supplies were abundant.

His venture Kannoa began contracting Chinese factories to make chairs, tables and other items for hotels, country clubs, apartment buildings and other outdoor spaces. Over time, Kannoa began offering more customized orders, and Blasini needed a space to produce smaller batches on demand. In 2012, he opened his own factory in that same cluster.

But costs in China kept rising, and shipping across the Pacific meant four to six weeks at sea to deliver his custom orders. So, Blasini started looking closer to home for his small-batch, custom production. Central America and the Dominican Republic offered opportunity, but he worried what might happen if “we stepped on someone’s foot in a small country,” led by a relatively small group of people. So, he looked a bit further south to Colombia, home to some 52 million people and next to Blasini’s homeland of Venezuela.

“The hunt for nearshore manufacturing began in 2014. We saw lead times from China were long,” Blasini says. “We were looking for a country with stability, and Colombia provides strong judicial security.”

Blasini knew he wanted to produce in a free-trade zone, which could provide tax breaks and other incentives for exporters.

Colombia offered some 120 options. He visited more than two dozen free zones in varied cities, including Bogota, Medellin, Cali, and Pereira, and opted for Barranquilla because of its coastal location, with easy access to a port with direct shipping service to Florida.

“In Colombia, with all the mountains, it’s hard to move goods around the country,” says Blasini. From inland zones, “I could pay as much in freight for the goods to reach the coast as I do to ship to Miami.”

By 2019, Kannoa had started production in Barranquilla. Soon after, the COVID pandemic hit, disrupting global supply chains. Blasini could no longer visit his China operations. As factories and seaports strained, freight costs from Asia skyrocketed too, rising from about $2,000 per container to as much as $18,000 – sometimes “costing more for freight from China than the value of what was inside,” he says.

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The New Offshoring HOW FURNITURE-MAKER KANNOA MOVED PRODUCTION FROM CHINA TO BARRANQUILLA Blasini revved up operations in Colombia, not only for custom orders but also for standard products. Shifting production wasn’t easy, Blasini concedes. He didn’t realize electricity costs in Colombia were significantly higher than China. He couldn’t buy all the inputs required from domestic manufacturers, as in China, so he had to import some basics, including aluminum. In China, workers often are paid by the piece, so they learn to produce quickly and put in long hours to earn more. In Colombia, work tends to be hourly, and employees are less familiar with furniture making, so labor productivity has been lower. Plus, stricter labor and environmental norms made compliance more expensive.

While production costs are higher in

Colombia than China, however, some offsets help keep operations competitive, says Blasini. Quicker delivery times mean that Kannoa need not keep as much inventory in Miami, saving lots on storage. Freight is cheaper – usually $2,000 to $3,000 per container for direct shipments that arrive in as little as three days. And it’s easier to manage near-shore manufacturing, trimming both spending and stress.

“A two-and-a-half hour flight from Miami is so simple. I fly out about 11 in the morning, and I’m in the factory at 2:30 in the afternoon. Before, to China, it took me a day and a half going and a day and a half coming back. You get destroyed by the time change,” says Blasini. “And when I sat with an attorney in China, I understood mayGLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

A two-and-a-half hour flight from Miami is so simple. I fly out about 11 in the morning, and I’m in the factory at 2:30 in the afternoon.

Before, to China, it took me a day and a half going and a day and a half coming back...

OPPOSITE: LUIS BLASINI, FOUNDER OF KANNOA IN THE BARRANQUILLA FACTORY

ABOVE: ADDING WELDING MACHINERY AND AUTOMATING SOME PRODUCTION PROCESSES WILL CUT COSTS FURTHER. ABOVE RIGHT: KANNOA NOW EMPLOYS ABOUT 130 PEOPLE IN COLOMBIA, MANY IN LABOR INTENSIVE WORK ON THE FURNITURE FOR HOTELS, RESTAURANTS AND OUTDOOR SPACES.

be three words. In Colombia, I speak the same language, either Spanish or English. I understand everything. It’s definitely a much nicer experience.”

Kannoa now employs about 130 people in Colombia and some 40 more in Miami.

About 90 percent of sales are destined for the U.S. and the rest largely for Latin America and the Caribbean, says Blasini.

To cut costs in Colombia, Kannoa is adding welding machinery and automating some production processes. It plans to add solar panels on its factory later to reduce electricity costs. Longer-term, it hopes to develop a furniture industry cluster in Barranquilla, as in China, that could offer inputs and other services to those in the cluster, while nurturing generations of workers attuned to industry needs.

“I could see an upholstery factory next to a lamp factory, next to an outdoor furniture maker, so we can offer more manufacturing options and services beyond producing for your own brand,” says Blasini.

For fellow manufacturers interested in Colombia, Blasini suggests contacting local

business and investment promotion groups, especially ProColombia, ProBarranquilla, the U.S. Embassy’s commercial service in Bogota and the American Chamber of Commerce-Barranquilla chapter, where leaders are eager to help foreign companies set up in the country and create needed jobs.

“We’re in Barranquilla because of ProBarranquilla, and we’re in Colombia because of ProColombia,” says Blasini. “When we visited other countries, none had the infrastructure and services of ProColombia. We had lunches and dinners with ProColombia’s president. ProColombia operates more like a private business than a government agency. They do amazing work.”

Blasini says the local business groups can help newcomers vet potential partners, make contacts, and develop links. “Business in Colombia is very personal. You go out to lunch and dinner. You need to build relationships. It’s not the same to cold-call and say, “I’m Juan Perez from a U.S. company,” as to have AmCham or the Embassy take you by the hand. They act as a filter and add weight to what you’re doing.” l 81

SPECIAL REPORT

Going Bi-Lingual BETTING ON ENGLISH FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

L

elio Sotomonte remembers being called crazy when he and his partners set out to sell English-language services to U.S. customers from their call center in Barranquilla in 2009. Back then, few young people in the city spoke English well. The quality of English education in local public schools was weak.

Today, many call Sotomonte a pioneer. Thanks to closer collaboration between business, government, academia, and civic groups, Baranquilla now boasts the strongest English skills program in Colombia, helping its call-center industry soar to some 8,000 jobs, many reliant on English.

The company that Sotomonte leads, Atlantic Quantum Innovation, now employs roughly 3,500 people, about four times the number a decade ago, and it’s building a new center set to employ some 1,000 more. Already, about half of Atlantic’s employees are bilingual, mainly in Spanish and English, serving U.S. customers in such diverse fields as healthcare and telecom. Bi-lingual employees earn more and get hired for jobs faster than applicants who speak just one language, says Atlantic’s international business development manager Andrea Bruges, who speaks Spanish, German, French and English.

“The industry is following what we’re doing here, and Bogota, Cali, Medellin and other cities are considering it to foster the economy and jobs,” says Bruges, 32, who moved from Colombia’s capital of Bogota for university studies in Baranquilla and stayed because of call-center opportunities.

Prompting the expanded use of English is support from city government. With advocacy for English from the AmCham-Barranquilla and a call-center association, Sotomonte says the mayor’s office mobilized unprecedented resources from Colombia’s SENA training institute. The mayor’s team also spurred donations from companies and business groups, and customized the curriculum in public schools, offering English-language classes for middle school students. SENA now offers classes in Barranquilla to bring students to the upper-intermediate B2 level required by call centers, providing a steady stream of job applicants for call centers.

English-language skills benefit more than call centers, of course. “The creation of this cluster,” says Sotomonte, “built an ecosystem that lets us manage not just customer care, but also computer technical support, healthcare, energy, and logistics to expand our portfolio.” Manufacturers selling to the U.S. market, hotels welcoming overseas visitors, transport firms serving Florida and other international businesses all gain from staff versed in English, says Vicky Ibañez, executive director of AmCham-Barranquilla since its foundation in 1998. She’s grown her group to become the second largest of Colombia’s five AmCham chapters and biggest for its city size, now counting nearly 200 affiliates.

Ibañez knows the importance of English from the many business missions she has organized to cities in Florida, including Tampa, Jacksonville and Tallahassee. A mission to Miami in August featured 14 Barranquilla companies that held 180-plus meetings with potential partners for import, export, and two-way investment.

“You can’t go to the U.S. for business and not know English,” Ibañez says. “That’s why we back this bi-lingual education project.” l

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TOP: ANDREA BRUGES, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER AT ATLANTIC QUANTUM INNOVATION

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Moving to Miami WHY BARRANQUILLA COMPANIES ARE INVESTING IN SOUTH FLORIDA

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or business between Barranquilla and the U.S., Florida shines as the No. 1 gateway. That’s true for Colombian producers sending goods north. It’s also the case for larger companies from Barranquilla that increasingly are setting up operations in greater Miami to reach U.S. and global clients more easily.

Once Colombian exporters have a large enough client base in the U.S., they often opt to open a sales or marketing office – or even a specialty factory – inside the U.S. itself to be closer to North American customers. They also find it’s sometimes simpler to run marketing for the Americas from Miami, given area’s role as a hub for business throughout Latin America.

Consider the examples of Fintotex, a maker of labels for clothing, and Procaps Group, a producer of pharmaceuticals. Both were started by immigrant families in Barranquilla, expanded through exports, and today, have significant operations in South Florida.

You may be wearing Finotex products right now. The company makes labels for Calvin Klein, Dickies, Hanes, Fruit of the Loom, and other major brands, says general manager Fabian Duque.

Founded in Barranquilla in 1984, it opened a small factory in Miami in 1989, mobilizing South Florida’s superior international logistics to supply apparel producers in Central America and the Andean Pact nations of South America. Back then, Colombia’s international logistics were not well developed, he says.

Over time, Finotex also launched factories throughout the Caribbean Basin to be close to the apparel plants using its labels there.

And as US. brands expanded production in China and Mexico, Finotex set up factories there too, says Duque. Today, the family-owned business employs about 1,000 people worldwide, operating 10 plants globally making printed and woven labels, hangtags, and heat transfers. In Miami, about 25 people handle sales and marketing for U.S. and Caribbean Basin markets and some international logistics.

“It’s a big competitive advantage to have a commercial office in Miami to reach the major brands,” says Duque. “Many people feel

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TOP: THE PROCAPS GROUP OPENED SOFGEN IN SOUTH FLORIDA ABOVE: FABIAN DUQUE. GENERAL MANAGER OF FINOTEXT

more protected by U.S. law when a U.S. office operating under U.S. law handles their brand.”

ProCaps, meanwhile, is so active in North America that it’s set up two factories in South Florida to produce pharmaceuticals and supplements. An immigrant family from Poland started the venture in Barranquilla nearly 50 years ago, opening leather tanneries that spun off such byproducts as gelatin for medicine capsules.

Today, ProCaps has offices in 13 countries, with factories in Colombia, El Salvador, Brazil, and the U.S. Its stock trades on the Nasdaq exchange, and net revenue reached $410 million in 2022. Keen on innovation, the company holds 43 patents, with another 48 pending, says attorney Marcela Carvajalino, vice president of corporate affairs.

In 2021, ProCaps bought an 86,000-square-foot factory in West Palm Beach to make soft-gel pharmaceuticals and is now developing a factory in Broward County to make its Funtrition-brand gummies. While the company has had U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval since 2009 for its Colombian factories to export prescription products to the U.S., demand is so strong for some items that it makes sense to make them in Florida both for U.S. sale and export elsewhere, says Carvajalino.

“US production opens opportunities in other regions with which the U.S. has free-trade accords or other protocols for sale of pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements,” including Mexico, says Carvajalino. ProCaps may well expand U.S. manufacturing later, as it adds product lines, such as cancer medicine. “We started our business with exports,” says Carvajalino. “Our vision is global.” l GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

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Celebrate On

SANDRA GOMEZ OF CARNIVAL SA, AT THE CARNIVAL MUSEUM

$350 million-plus in visitor outlays, a new record this past year.

That doesn’t count the money that locals spend on Carnival – to make costumes, decorate floats, attend events, and buy food and drink. And it omits the value of buzz generated in media, both BARRANQUILLA’S CARNIVAL BRINGS GROWING traditional and social, prepared by 600-plus journalists from outlets ECONOMIC BENEFITS such as CNN en Español, and Celebra Peru, and from folks posting 700,000 times on Facebook alone, officials add.

“Carnival is the biggest enterprise in Baranquilla,” says Gomez. oyous dancing to cumbia music. Troupes parading with animal “It generates 30,000 direct and indirect jobs – in creative industries masks. Floats brimming with fresh flowers. A Carnival Queen wearing an elegant gown. Indigenous groups playing wooden flutes. for dancers, musicians, artisans, designers, and make-up artists, and Barranquilla’s pre-Lenten Carnival shines as Colombia’s largest for many others [such as] security staff, food vendors, drivers, and hotel workers. We prepare for it all-year round.” cultural extravaganza mixing European, African, and native AmerKey to the Carnival’s success is diversity, especially in music. ican cultures. It’s also an important economic driver for the city, “You identify Rio Carnival with samba, Trinidad & Tobago’s with attracting visitors from around the globe both for the event itself calypso, and New Orleans’ Mardi Gras with jazz. But here, we have and year-round through the publicity it brings. many different rhythms. One group may be dancing cumbia, another Now, leaders aim to boost that economic impact through increased marketing, greater cultural exchanges with other Colombian garabato, another mapale and another son de negro. We have many cities and later, more consistent presentations of Colombia’s diverse cultures with different folkloric traditions, and we all share together.”

Barranquilla’s modern carnival has roots dating back more cultural offerings overseas. than a century. Records show the first Carnival King crowned in Already, promotions feature a world-class Carnival Museum launched in Barranquilla in 2021. The museum offers videos, photos, 1888, the first Battle of Flowers held in 1903, and the first Carnival costumes, and other exhibits that trace the history of Carnival glob- Queen named in 1918. Organizers added the Grand Parade and ally and dive deep into Barranquilla’s version that some rank among orchestra competitions in the 1960s, while the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) desigthe world’s largest after Rio de Janeiro’s.

Sandra Gomez, a former journalist, heads up the public-private nated the celebration among the world’s masterpieces of intangible cultural heritage in 2003. partnership Carnival SA that organizes the annual event. She deGomez now seeks to leverage that heritage with more reguscribes the February 2023 Carnival as its most attended yet, drawing nearly 670,000 visitors from across Colombia and from such overseas lar cultural exchanges within Colombia; later, she envisions tours worldwide with folkloric artists from across Colombia, helping nations as the United States, Spain, Germany, Canada, and Japan. promote the country’s cultural offerings and attract more travelers.

Those visitors filled almost all the city’s roughly 8,600 hotel rooms “Carnival is one of the happiest moments in the city. We during its peak weekend and an average 83 percent of those rooms on its four main days. In all, out-of-town Colombians spent roughly welcome guests like family,” says Gomez. “Everybody becomes an ambassador for Carnival.” l $500 each and overseas guests some $700 each during the fete – or

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GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

SPECIAL REPORT

Snapshots SO MANY SOUTH FLORIDA LINKS...

IT’S “QUILLAMI” Barranquilla and South Florida are so intertwined that at least four international stars from the Colombian city live or have lived in greater Miami. Indeed, there’s a slang word that unites the two places: Quillami. It can refer to everything from high-rises in ‘Quilla that look like Miami towers to those ‘Quilleros who aspire to live as if they were in Miami, acting a bit showy sometimes.

In greater Miami’s Kendall area, there’s even a Quillami Fast Food restaurant offering typical Barranquilla fare. Here’s a look at four renowned Barrinquilleros linked to Miami:

SHAKIRA: SINGER, SONGWRITER, ACTRESS AND DANCER: Superstar

Shakira now lives in Miami Beach with her children. She was born and raised in Barranquilla and made her recording debut with Sony Music Colombia at age 13. Her “Hips Don’t Lie” dancing style builds on her Dad’s Lebanese roots. Billboard magazine says that with 95 million+ records sold, Shakira is the top-selling Latina singer of all time. Her Pies Descalzos (Barefoot) Foundation has built schools in Colombia, including sites in Barranquilla.

SOFIA VERGARA: MODEL, ACTRESS AND ENTREPRENEUR: Vergara came

to Miami with her son at age 22 to work for Univision TV on travel shows. She’s best known in the U.S for her role as Gloria on the TV series Modern Family and as a judge since 2020 on America’s Got Talent, ranking her among the highest-paid women on TV. Born and raised in Baranquilla, she studied dentistry there. Her businesses include clothing, fragrances, jewelry, home décor, and new beauty brand called Toty, her childhood nickname.

SILVIA TCHERASSI: FASHION DESIGNER: Tcherassi says her global brand offering “Effortless Elegance” was born in her hometown of Barranquilla but blossomed in Miami, her longtime residence. She runs more than a dozen boutiques in the Americas and Europe, sells her clothes in such top stores as Neiman Marcus and Harrods, and recently expanded into luxury hotels, with a namesake property in Colombia’s Cartagena. She studied interior design in Barranquilla and fashion at Parsons School in New York.

EDGAR RENTERIA: PLAYING SHORT-STOP IN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL:

Renteria helped the Florida Marlins win the 1997 World Series.

He also earned the 2010 World Series’ Most Valuable Player award with the San Francisco Giants. Renteria founded the Colombian Professional Baseball League, which plays in Barranquilla in a stadium named in his honor. Now retired from MLB, “Barranquilla Baby” mostly lives in his hometown, enjoying its recent progress from better streets to eco-parks. He told Global Miami Magazine from Palo de Mango restaurant: “With these changes, we’re opening to the world.” l 88

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AFTER HOURS

Rum & A Raw Bar

LEFT: HIDDEN BY A HEDGE, THE OUTSIDE SEATING PATIO TOP: CLASSIC COCKTAILS : A RUM OLD FASHIONED ABOVE: THE MENU IS BASED AROUND SUSHI AND RAW BAR

SUGARCANE IS AN ICON OF WALKABLE MIDTOWN, JUST SOUTH OF THE MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT

BY KYLIE WANG

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here’s something uniquely charming about a place that has a cocktails menu only built from rum. Not to say, of course, that Sugarcane Raw Bar & Grill doesn’t offer more in the way of drinks – the rum-based menu is only an addition to the restaurant’s other “signature libations.” But there’s an intentional specificity to what goes on here, in everything from the menus to the atmosphere.

At Sugarcane, sitting outside in the modern “Sim City” neighborhood of Midtown, is a must on a weather-friendly evening. Geometric star-shaped lights hang over the patio, reflecting off the brightly polished wooden tables. A large hedge protects the privacy of diners from passersby and more plants are scattered throughout. A large tree, bedecked with more lights, grows out of the ground inside the patio and vines dangle along the walls.

The rum cocktails menu does not disappoint, with reimagined classics like the Rum Old Fashioned (substituting Brugal

Añejo for bourbon) and the Negroni Boulevard (Diplomatico Mantuano instead of gin). The liquor menu is similarly fashioned, featuring flights ranging from $25 to $45 and a large selection of artisanal rums.

The menu is also well-focused, centering mostly on the raw bar and sushi rolls.

The Hokkaido Scallop from the former is a masterclass in contrasting flavors with black truffle, lime, jalapeño, and apple marinated in yuzu juice, a citrus fruit from East Asia. From the sushi section of the menu the crunchy tuna roll, a simple roll with avocado inside, drizzled with sweet chili and finished off with a slight crunch in the form of chili tempura flakes, adds a nice divergence of texture.

Still, our favorite dish was one outside of Sugarcane’s norm: the duck and waffle. A unique take on the more traditional chicken and waffles, this one comes with crispy leg confit served on a bed of waffle, a fried duck egg topping it all with mustard maple syrup on the side. The leg of duck was delicate and

SUGARCANE 3252 NE 1ST AVE., MIAMI 786.369.0353 SUGARCANERAWBARGRILL.COM

tender, the duck egg creamier and richer than a regular chicken egg, and the syrup sweetly flavored with a bare hint of spice beneath. Perhaps the only reason not to order this is its heaviness – at Sugarcane, you’d be well within your rights to indulge in several dishes, rather than limiting yourself to a single entrée that will leave you satisfied… but full.

For the coda, instead of dessert – though there are myriad options here – consider an after-dinner drink. There’s a long list of those here, palate cleansers and stronger liquors alike, ranging from limoncello to Glenlivet. There are also “drinkable desserts,” including coffee spiked with tequila, espresso martinis, and, of course, several creamy rum-based drinks.

Sugarcane is an experience that takes you through every step in the dining process, doing all the thinking for you so the only decisions you have to make is what to enjoy – without wondering whether you should. l 91

FI N E D I N I N G

Sky Dining THE NEWEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IN BRICKELL ELEVATES DINING TO NEW HEIGHTS. LITERALLY

BY ANDREW GAYLE

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drift Mare, which just opened in October, is part of the reinvention of Miami as a vertical city. In the New Miami, it’s not just residences and offices that climb skyward. The entertainment and amenities have also gone vertical, from the bar Sugar on the 42nd floor rooftop of the East Hotel, to the score of hotel pools that are a half dozen floors above street level. Adding to this multilevel living, straight from the Hong Kong handbook, is the new Adrift Mare restaurant.

Located on the 25th Floor of Hotel AKA Brickell, Adrift Mare’s first ‘wow’ factor is the excellent view of the city and Biscayne Bay beyond. The second ‘wow’ is the space itself: Adrift is laid out in an atrium that rises another ten floors upward. That huge, open chamber is punctuated by a series of vertical light fixtures, hanging down in groups. The effect is one of abundant spaciousness in an ultra-modern setting. In the daytime Adrift Mare is flooded with light; in the evening the city glimmers outside.

Adrift Mare is the latest creation of Michelin-starred restaurateur David Myers, also known as the “Gypsy Chef." That sobriquet reflects both his world travels for culinary inspiration and his globe-trotting entrepreneurism; Myers now has 20 restaurants in nine cities and three continents, from Tokyo and Los Angeles to New Delhi and Doha. He has a reputation for boarding a flight every few days to check on one of his eateries and to seek new food inspirations.

Each of Myer’s restaurants has a different theme, and the focus here is on Middle Eastern cuisine with a seafood tilt. “A lot of times when a restaurant says they’re Mediterranean it’ll just be Greek, or maybe with some Italian seafood,” says Thomas Sloan, the general manager. “But we wanted to be truly Mediterranean, with Northern African spices and Tel Aviv dishes, a kind of fusion where you still have your big hitters like shish kabobs.”

The gypsy was not at Adrift when we visited, having just flown off to Japan and then Bali. But his well-trained staff delivered a superlative meal – starting with those very shish kabobs, big chunks of roast lamb on a skewer (chicken or beef is also available). The skewer ($32) was served with pita bread and chile sauce, and with pickled vegetables and red cabbage for a piquant and pleasantly sour contrast to the seasoned roast.

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TOP: CHEF DAVID MYERS, ALSO KNOWN AS THE “GYPSY CHEF." ABOVE: VIEWS OF BISCAYNE BAY FROM THE 25TH FLOOR OF HOTEL AKA BRICKELL TOP LEFT: PRIME RIB EYE GRILLED ON AN OPEN FLAME.

ADRIFT MARE HOTEL AKA BRICKELL 1395 BRICKELL AVE., 25TH FLR 305.503.6529

OPPOSITE PAGE: TOP LEFT: SHISH KABOBS, BIG CHUNKS OF ROAST LAMB ON A SKEWER TOP RIGHT: HUMMUS, SERVED WITH GARLIC HONEY FLATBREAD. MIDDLE LEFT: GRILLED KING PRAWNS. MIDDLE RIGHT: HEIRLOOM TOMATOES WITH TOMATO CONSUME AND TOPPED WITH BURRATA CHEESE. BOTTOM: WHOLE BRANZINO FISH WITH FENNEL AND FRESNO CHILI PEPPERS GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

As might be expected, their hummus, served with garlic honey flatbread, is fresh and fluffy ($14). Less expected was their flavorful heirloom tomatoes ($20), served in a tomato consume and topped with burrata cheese, crunchy toasted quinoa, and a drizzle of smoked olive oil. We thought the lobster rolls on brioche bread were a little pricy ($38) but, if you’re down for the splurge, they were delightfully lemony with a hint of sweetness and a saffron aioli to spike the flavor.

In addition to the kabob, we tried three other entrees. The grilled king prawns ($38) were served in their shells, and looked like small lobsters, the taste profile enhanced by fermented garlic.

The prime rib eye (14 oz, $68) could not have been better, perfectly grilled on an open flame. But the showstopper was the whole branzino ($55). It was deboned and served with head and tail on, covered with fennel, Fresno chili peppers and bits of sauteed onion, having first been charcoal grilled. What put it over the top was a slather of creamy Moroccan garlic harissa paste in the deboned cavity.

Another thing not to be missed is the crispy eggplant side dish ($10) in which the sliced eggplant is roasted black with lemon salt, and then served with garlic aioli. A unique presentation for anyone remotely fond of eggplant.

Also, to its credit, Adrift Mare has a well curated wine selection from Mediterranean sources and some excellent cocktails (it has a large bar that runs the length of the restaurant). And while the soundtrack is energetic “house” music, the volume is moderated just enough to permit easy conversation. “We want a fine dining experience with luxury service that is not too stuffy,” says Sloan. “This is for foodies who want to have fun, with a view.” l 93

PROPERTIES

The Outdoor Lifestyle: Tennis Courts There are few properties currently on the market in Greater Miami that feature private tennis courts, making the two displayed here among the rarest of South Florida properties. As New Year’s

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summer kitchen. A hand-crafted wooden slide connects two expansive family rooms, providing versatile spaces for relaxation and entertainment. Listing Agent: Francine Tomas (Brown Harris Stevens), 305.205.6794

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Miami Beach. The ranch home features a new roof, impact windows, and guest quarters with a morning bar and gym. Listing Agent: Ana Teresa Rodriguez (Coldwell Banker), 786.723.6041

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TA L K

Taiwan’s Example

Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, On Nov.1, President Biden and 11 which now produces 90 percent of the most Latin American and Caribbean advanced semiconductors in the world. country leaders agreed to establish a Latin American and Caribbean counCenter of Excellence in Costa Rica, tries can empathize with Taiwan’s history. which will provide regional workforce Many countries also suffered under the mano dura policies of caudillos, or strongmen. Since development in semiconductors, AI, then, democracies have made meaningful 5G, cyber and other emerging tech- progress, though in recent years there has nology. A few days later, El Salvador been concern about democratic backsliding.

The region’s nations should follow the and Costa Rica hosted a high-ranking Taiwan model. First, they can boost investU.S. Commerce Department official ments in early education in STEM, which to discuss digital development. will make them more competitive in the AI

LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN SHOULD LOOK TO TAIPEI AS A KEY TO THEIR HIGH-TECH FUTURE As these countries work with the United

BY LELAND LAZARUS

LeLand Lazarus is associate director of research at Florida international University’s Jack D Gordon Institute of Public Policy. He is also the nonresident fellow of the Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub

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future. Second, country economic ministries and regional organizations should invite States on such developments, they can look Taiwan business delegations to consult on to another key leader in the global digital the regional Center of Excellence. Third, economy: Taiwan. Less than three decades they can persuade Taiwanese companies ago, Taiwan was ruled under martial law. to invest in semiconductor factories there.

Chiang Kai-shek, who led the Kuomintang Fourth, regional universities should seek government when it lost to the Chinese out academic partnerships with Taiwanese Communist Party in 1949, ruled with an universities in information and communiiron fist for decades. Youth movements cations technology – ICT – semiconductors and international condemnation eventually and AI. pressured the government to modernize, In June, Mexico hosted a Taiwanese and in 1996 Taiwan held its first free and delegation to discuss investments in microfair president elections. Today, it is a vibrant chip capacity for automotive manufacturing; democracy with four candidates vying for this is a great start, and other countries the presidency in January. It is also a world should follow suit. Panama and Costa Rica leader in advanced semi-conductors and are already working with the United States information and communication technology, on being semiconductor supply chain hubs; with U.S. firms like Nvidia going there to they could also consult with Taiwanese comlearn from the semiconductor masters. panies as they develop these hubs.

How was Taiwan able to transform In building out such partnerships, Taiitself to a technological democracy in less wan’s remaining seven diplomatic allies in than 30 years, and what can Latin America the region will have a competitive advantage. and the Caribbean learn from their model? Taiwan has already helped train hundreds At a recent Miami event, Charles Chou, of people across the region in ICT and has director general of Taiwan’s Economic and helped finance broadband as well. Countries Cultural office in Miami, explained. “Taiwan that still maintain economic relations with has little natural resources, so we invested Taiwan can leverage the various economic a lot in our human resources,” he said. All offices in their countries to facilitate such students complete 12 years of primary and opportunities.

Of course, there is the elephant in the secondary education, and more than 80 percent receive post-secondary education. By room. The People’s Republic of China would contrast, just 63 percent of Latin American certainly object to any of these ideas and most likely retaliate though economic coand Caribbean children finish secondary education, and there is a gross inequality in ercion. Regional leaders have long said they education outcomes between the richest and don’t want to choose sides between the U.S. and China and want to maximize economic poorest students in the region.

The second factor is the government’s benefits from both countries. Why not try long-term vision. In the 1980s, the govern- to maximize such benefits with Taiwan? If ment decided that Taiwan should specialize country leaders make decisions based on in semi-conductor manufacturing. It courted fear of retaliation from a so-called “strategic partner” they must ask themselves if that’s Morris Chang, then working at Texas Instruments, to return and start a semi-con- truly the kind of partner they want. l ductor company. That became the Taiwan GLOBALMIAMIMAGAZINE.COM

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