GOVERNOR CRIST VISITS CHRIST THE REDEEMER STATUE
November 8, 2007
Contact:
GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 488-5394
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Governor Charlie Crist today visited the Christ the Redeemer statue during a trade mission in Brazil. The visit is part of a five-day trade and economic development mission, during which the Governor will meet with Brazil’s top business leaders and senior government officials.
Located at the top of Corcovado Hill, the monument (in Portuguese, Cristo Redentor) is Brazil’s most well-known image throughout the world. The enormous edifice stands 121 feet tall, with a distance of over 90 feet between the outstretched arms of the statue. Standing 2,300 feet above sea level on top of Corcovado Hill, the statue watches over the city of Rio.
“The statue is a fitting representation of the beauty and soul of this nation,” said Governor Crist. “As a Christian, it is touching to be at the feet of such a powerful image. The people of Brazil are full of heart and are very welcoming, and this statue serves as a perfect portrait of their country.”
The statue was originally designed to celebrate the first 100 years of Brazil’s independence from Portugal from 1822-1922. The construction began in 1921 when the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro initiated efforts to raise private funds for the statue. The designs considered for the “Statue of the Christ” consisted of Christ in various poses, and nine years later the statue was erected. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people visit this symbol of national independence and devout compassion.About the Trade Mission
Brazil is Florida’s number-one international merchandise trade partner, with two-way trade valued at $11.3 billion in 2006; an increase of 3.8 percent from 2005. Trade between Florida and Brazil from January to June, 2007, has increased 10 percent from the same period in 2006. Brazil ranks first in total exports from Florida, valued at roughly $8 billion, half of which are goods manufactured in Florida. With a gross domestic product of approximately US$700 billion, Brazil represents roughly half of the South American territory and economy and is the largest country in terms of population in Latin America and the Caribbean.
During the five day mission, Governor Crist will meet with the U.S. Ambassador to Brazil Clifford Sobel and senior government officials from the State of São Paulo, the State of Mato Grosso, the State of Bahia, and the State of Rio De Janiero. Additionally, the Governor will be meeting with the Board of Directors from the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (FIESP) and speak with the American Chambers of Commerce of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janiero. The Governor will participate in a Brazil-Florida Ethanol Roundtable and inaugurate the Florida-Brazil business Matchmaker Expo.
Coordinated by Enterprise Florida Inc., the Team Florida delegation includes business and governmental leaders, as well as representatives from economic development and educational organizations. According to Enterprise Florida, Inc., areas for increased exports and investment include agriculture, aviation and accessories, biofuels, computer software, IT hardware, medical equipment, and telecommunications, among others. The delegation will participate in a variety of business development events and trade presentations during the mission, including one-on-one business meetings between Brazilian and Florida companies, a targeted promotional campaign to attract prospective clients, business networking events and market briefings by the U.S. Commercial Service.
Sponsors of the mission include Akerman Senterfitt, American Airlines, AmCham Brasil, Bacardi, Banco do Brasil, Bank of America, CAMACOL, ETH Bioenergy-Odebrecht, Express Travel, Falcone Group, FIESP, Florida Trend, General Motors, Mercantil Commercebank, and Orange County, Florida.
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