On October 17-18, 2017, Macedonia was one of thirty nations promoted at the 2017 Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE)—held at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida thanks to the efforts of UMD Advisory Council Member and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Macedonia Dana Klein, and UMD Florida Representative Mishko Josifov.
The Expo, which included many panels on exporting, importing, and global business dealings, featured a presentation by Josifov before a few hundred attendees on increasing U.S.-Macedonia trade, and various investment opportunities in Macedonia. The Expo’s Presidential Reception showcased Macedonian wines, Chardonnay, and Vranec by Bovin Winery.
Josifov was able to meet with Florida Governor Rick Scott, who expressed a real interest in the growing Macedonian-American community in the State of Florida. Also, in attendance were the former President of Bolivia, Carlos Mesa, the former President of Guatemala, Alvaro Colom, and Mayor of Broward County Barbara Sharief.
Last month, on September 25, 2017, UMD partnered with Wines of Macedonia to showcase Macedonian wines in South Florida. Over 120 hospitality industry leaders and the Consul Generals of Colombia, France, Jamaica, and Japan attended the Miami event hosted by East Hotel Beverage Director Nino Milenkovski and supported by Klein and Josifov. Attendees were able to sample wines from the Tikvesh, Bovin, Stobi, Popov, Dalvina, and Royal wineries in Macedonia.
