This week, the Florida Chamber of Commerce announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, formalizing a strategic partnership to expand trade, investment, and long-term economic collaboration between Florida and the United Arab Emirates.
Katie Yeutter, COO and CFO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce (right), pictured signing a Memorandum of Understanding at AIM Congress 2025 with His Excellency Khaled Al Fahim, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce Board Member.
The agreement was signed during the 2025 Florida CEO Delegation Trip—a business-led mission developed to strengthen global ties and unlock new opportunities for Florida companies. The ceremonial signing took place at AIM Congress, one of the world’s leading platforms for international investment and strategic dialogue, within the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s private majlis—a setting that reflects the commitment of both chambers to building meaningful and lasting economic partnerships.
The delegation is led by Keith Koenig, Chairman of CITY Furniture and Chair of the Florida Chamber of Commerce; Matt Higgins, co-founder and CEO of RSE Ventures, and Katie Yeutter, COO and CFO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, who signed the agreement on behalf of the Chamber. The trip also includes Karen Moore, CEO of Moore and a member of the Florida Chamber’s Board of Directors, along with a group of distinguished CEOs and founders representing key sectors of Florida’s economy.
Florida Chamber of Commerce delegation members gathered for a group photo following the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding at AIM Congress 2025.
“This agreement represents a significant step in positioning Florida as a global hub for trade and innovation,” said Katie Yeutter. “It reflects the leadership and unity of Florida’s business community, and our commitment to the Florida 2030 Blueprint—which outlines our goal of becoming a top 10 global economy.”
“The global economy doesn’t wait—and neither should Florida,” said Keith Koenig.
“We’re here to build lasting relationships that support growth, innovation, and opportunity for Florida’s future.”
The delegation includes CEOs and founders from a diverse group of Florida companies spanning advanced manufacturing, logistics, infrastructure, aerospace, and investment. The vision for this trip was sparked two years ago when Matt Higgins—co-founder and CEO of RSE Ventures and a featured investor on both the U.S. and Dubai editions of Shark Tank—addressed the Florida Chamber Board of Directors. A leading venture investor with deep ties to the UAE business community, Higgins encouraged leaders to pursue a bolder vision for what could be achieved in Florida. His challenge to think beyond the status quo—not by being reactive, but by being proactive and leading on opportunities we don’t yet know exist—helped lay the foundation for this delegation and inspired its mission to advance the goals of the Florida 2030 Blueprint.
Throughout the week, Florida’s business leaders will engage in high-level discussions with senior UAE officials and visit leading innovation hubs, including Hub71, Masdar City, DP World, G42, and AstroLabs. The delegation will explore opportunities in smart manufacturing, AI, logistics, and digital entrepreneurship—including a private meeting with the UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and a visit to SAVI (Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries) to experience firsthand the testing of autonomous vehicles. In addition to business-focused engagements, delegates will also visit several of the region’s premier cultural institutions to deepen cross-cultural relationships and foster long-term partnership.
This initiative reflects the Florida Chamber’s broader effort to unite business for good—expanding Florida’s global influence and advancing the goals of the Florida 2030 Blueprint, including becoming #1 in business startups, top 5 in manufacturing, and top 3 in tech jobs. This mission reinforces our commitment to securing Florida’s long-term economic future through strategic global partnerships and forward-looking innovation.
Florida Trend, one of the state’s leading business publications, is accompanying the delegation and will publish a full feature on the visit later this year.