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Marine Trade Group Gets OK For Foreign Trade Zone In Fort Lauderdale

A new marine industry foreign trade zone has gotten the green light to take off in Fort Lauderdale.

Trade group Marine Industry Association of South Florida said this week it’s won approval from the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Board and Fort Lauderdale’s FTZ No. 241, to create a 16-site foreign trade subzone.

“This is a first of its kind in the United States,” said Phil Purcell, MIASF executive director, in a statement. “Fort Lauderdale is already known as the yachting capital of the world and will now be known for introducing the first FTZ subzone dedicated to the recreational boating industry.”

FTZ restricted-access sites are shielded from the immediate imposition of duties by U.S. Customs, and are empowered to defer, reduce, or eliminate them on foreign products.

“The 16 businesses that will be included in the subzone operate as either a commercial marina, marine parts and components business or a yacht repair facility,” MIASF spokeswoman Kelly Skidmore said.

“Now that the initial filing for FTZ status has been approved, we are excited to begin working with each marina or marine distributor site to activate in compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations,” said Gary Goldfarb, chief strategy officer of Interport Logistics of Miami, an FTZ operator and advisor. “There are so many more options for the industry under a FTZ and, as a result, we expect this will be a very active sector for jobs for years to come.”

Others agree.

“Strengthening our marine industry by creating an environment that will encourage more business is the key reason to pursue Foreign Trade Zone activity,” said Karen Reese, administrator for the city’s FTZ No. 241, based at the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport.

“Providing economic incentives through our Foreign Trade Zone program will enable marine industry businesses to free up important resources that can be used to expand operations, increase revenue, and create additional jobs and career opportunities for our community, while also serving as a valuable tool for future business attraction and retention,” Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler said.

 

Source: SunSentinel

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