§ 2-1501. Purpose and duties.

The Office of Economic Development and International Trade (hereinafter referred to as "The Office") shall promote Miami-Dade County as a Global Gateway and enhance access to economic development opportunities. It shall be authorized to exercise such powers and to perform such duties as are hereinafter provided:

(a)

Advocate and support the development of Miami-Dade County as a premiere hemispheric platform for two-way trade.

(b)

Promote Miami-Dade County as a Global Gateway both locally and abroad by developing and expanding trade opportunities with Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Western Hemisphere.

(c)

Liaise with trade offices and chambers of commerce.

(d)

Establish and maintain a database of local businesses involved in international trade to foster import and export opportunities.

(e)

Recommend trade policy.

(f)

Cultivate relations with Miami-Dade County's Sister Cities.

(g)

Coordinate and integrate Miami-Dade County's various economic development initiatives in pursuit of the County's strategic economic development goals.

(h)

Conduct economic and demographic research and other evaluative studies; and issue periodic analysis, reports, information, and/or recommendations that support the development of economic policies.

(i)

Improve access to economic development opportunities through the Targeted Job Incentive Fund (TJIF) and Qualified Target Industry (QTI) Programs.

(j)

Staff and support the International Trade Consortium and the Dr. Antonio Jorge Social and Economic Development Council for Miami-Dade County.

(k)

Administer the ITC Trust Fund Account, which shall hereafter be named the OEDIT Trust Fund Account, the Trade Mission Center of the Americas, Inc. funds, and the Miami-Dade County Sister Cities Program including its trust funds, pursuant to previously authorized resolutions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary including any directive in Resolution R-1169-06, the OEDIT Trust Fund Account shall be administered by the Office.

(l)

Represent and advocate Miami-Dade County's economic development and international trade interests at the local, state and federal level.

(m)

Accept, receive, and expend public and private monies, gifts, fees, revenues and donations in addition to County funds.

(n)

Coordinate and act as a proactive liaison between the County and the Consular Corps of Miami.

(o)

Submit an annual report to the Mayor and Board of County Commissioners detailing the Office's activities, goals, outcomes, and statement of all its accounts.

(p)

Perform any other such functions reasonably related to the execution of the Office's functions and responsibilities.

(Ord. No. 10-60, § 10, 9-24-10; Ord. No. 12-31, § 1, 5-1-12)