Florida governor Scott backs free trade with Panama in talks with Martinelli

On his first trade mission, Florida Gov. Rick Scott talked with Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli about prospects for increased commerce though a free-trade agreement and expansion of the Panama Canal.

The leaders seemed to hit it off, said Tampa port director Richard Wainio, among six Florida port executives who accompanied the governor.

Scott told Martinelli that he and Florida representatives in Washington are working to get a free-trade agreement through Congress.

Original source: St. Petersburg Times