One of the first initiatives will be to conduct a survey, in collaboration with GMCC s International Services Group, to inventory Florida s international services community. The survey s findings will provide valuable insights into Florida s strengths as a global and hemispheric services center. William O. Cullom, President of the GMCC, asserts that the International Services Group will utilize the institute s research capabilities to facilitate business development by targeting strategic service sectors in Florida and markets abroad. According to Mark B. Rosenberg, FIU s Provost and Executive Vice President and a long-time advocate of the growth of the services sector in Florida, this initiative will help the Florida business community accelerate its competitiveness in the rapidly changing global economy. Service trade accounted for 90 per cent of growth in U.S. employment in the last two decades.
International services can also serve as a crucial generator of new employment opportunities.
The export of business, professional, and technical services will ensure Florida s future competitive advantage. In view of Florida s rapidly increasing population and the key services negotiations linked to the establishment of a Free Trade Area of the Americas in 2005, business interests have a stake in the expansion of trade in services. In addition to its other activities, the IIPS will develop credit and noncredit certificate programs in international services. The objective of such academic programs will be to train professionals to recognize the growing significance of Florida s international services sector.