Brotherly Guv'. (Trade Talk).

Florida Gov. John Ellis "Jeb" Bush has a lot in common with his brother, U.S. President George W Bush. Jeb ventured into Miami real estate while George W. concentrated on oil and sports investments. The older brother governed Texas while Jeb launched his own political career; both brothers pushed technocratic programs, privatized education, tax cuts and tough stands on crime. Jeb, who has a degree in Latin American affairs and a Mexican wife, talked with LATIN TRADE Connection Editor Greg Brown about trade, immigration and access to the Oval Office.

States generally don't set domestic trade policy. What role can a governor play?

[In Florida], we do have a foreign policy, and we do attempt to influence foreign policy. I believe Florida will benefit from expanding trade with the hemisphere.

What incentives does Florida offer Latin American business?

Geography, for starters. Latin America is due south and west of us. Our proximity distinguishes us from other states. Our international trade infrastructure distinguishes us. We have billions invested in ports and seaports. Our human capital distinguishes us. We have Portuguese and Spanish speakers in our economy. And we are expanding our infrastructure in the New Economy.

Brazil wants to send more oranges to the United States. What about Florida producers who fear competition?

The industries in both countries can work together. The key is, if there is to be an expansion of free trade--the FTAA [Free Trade Area of the Americas] or Mercosur, whatever that next step is-there needs to be negotiations that bring about fair trade as well. One of the ways to avoid the downside of increased competition is to expand markets elsewhere. If every Chinese citizen ate a Florida orange or a Florida grapefruit, the Brazilian market would pale in comparison.

Florida defended Chile when it was accused of dumping salmon on U.S. consumers. Would you go to bat for other Latin American nations in similar straits?

Yes, if the cause was right. The criteria would be,'ls it in Florida's interest?' Almost all of the Chilean salmon production comes through Miami International Airport then is transshipped out to the United States. Hundreds of thousands of jobs are tied to that.

There is talk of guest-worker visas for Mexicans in the United States. Should consideration be made for other Latin Americans?

I'm not sure there's going to be the same kind of demand from Argentina or Brazil for the types of workers who are affected by that kind of agreement. I do think in general, we should not be country-specific on immigration policy. Mexico has a unique relationship with the U.S., but so does Florida with the rest of Latin America. We should reform the INS [U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service]. I like the idea being proposed by the Bush administration in Washington of separating the border patrol from immigration, for example.

Should the United States allow its citizens to travel to Cuba?

I don't think so. And I would include Cuban-Americans. If we are serious about the embargo, we should be serious. What we have now is a weakening of the embargo, and people think it doesn't work.

Do you have your brother's ear?

We have a close relationship because we're brothers, and have ... a shared interest in the region. And I have a strong understanding of where Florida's future rests, with one foot firmly planted in Florida and one foot firmly planted in Latin America. People can conclude what they want, but it doesn't go beyond a shared understanding.