The Georgia Department of Economic Development welcomed its representatives from the state’s international offices abroad for a weeklong visit to Georgia during the last week of April. They joined to connect and engage in-person with their colleagues and economic development partners from across the globe for the first time as a group since 2019.
Georgia’s competitiveness in the global marketplace is strengthened by the work of these representatives who are placed in 12 strategic markets, including Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Europe, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Peru, and the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Reps Visit 3The International Representatives connect Georgia businesses to in-market opportunities by providing customized export assistance and guidance, as well as assist foreign companies interested in establishing locations in the state. Georgia’s Japan and Europe offices were opened by then-Governor Jimmy Carter 50 years ago, and set the standard for global interactions and led to record investment and trade.
Last year, 52% of Georgia exports and 57% of Georgia’s total trade involved markets where Georgia maintains international representation, according to the 2022 Trade Report. Every county in the state exports goods, and small businesses make up 85% of Georgia’s exporters.
Over the course of the week, 22 representatives met with local communities and businesses during their journey from Atlanta to Savannah. The group connected with GDEcD’s Atlanta office for training and project update sessions and attended receptions hosted by Georgia EMC, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Allies, and the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) and the Savannah Harbor-Interstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority during the trip.
“This week is like going to ‘Georgia school!’” — Penelope Kim, Korea Office
The state tour featured multiple industry visits, including companies that support a few of Georgia’s key…
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