GEORGIA – CHINA Economic Development Connection
Government & Commerce In 2010, the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce opened an office in Wuxi, China. DeKalb County The state of Georgia has had continuous formalized a sister-community agreement in 2012 representation in China since 2007. Mr. Paul with the Chinese district of Ningbo. Sandy Swenson has led the state’s international trade Springs has a friendship-city relationship with activities in China since 2013. Taicang.
The Chinese Consulate General in Houston, Georgia and Shandong province are both Texas, serves eight U.S. states, including Georgia. members of the Regional Leaders Summit (RLS), Mr. Qiangmin Li has served as Consul General a strategic alliance of international regions which since May 2014. fosters the exchange of best practices in topics of mutual interest. Other RLS members include Georgia Governor Nathan Deal led a high-level São Paulo, Brazil; Bavaria, Germany; Upper delegation of state of Georgia officials and Austria, Austria and Western Cape, South Africa. business leaders to China and Japan in August Georgia was welcomed as the newest member of 2013. The mission included visits to the cities of the alliance in August 2008. Georgia hosted the Shanghai, Qingdao and Jinan. Delegates met with Regional Leaders Summit in June 2014. prominent members of government and corporate communities to explore business, trade In February 2012, China’s Vice President Xi and tourism opportunities. Jinping sent a delegation to Atlanta for a U.S. – China Investment and Trade Seminar. The Athens, Georgia is home to the Georgia China purpose was to promote investment cooperation Alliance, which is dedicated to promoting and opportunities between the nations. business exchanges between China and the state of Georgia. Ms. Rongrong Liu serves as the Ms. Soong Ai-ling was the first Chinese woman to executive director. be educated in the United States in 1904. She attended Wesleyan College in Macon. The U.S.-China Peoples Friendship Association (USCPFA) has its southern regional chapter The University System of Georgia offers located in Avondale Estates. Dr. Edward Krebs numerous study abroad programs to China. serves as co-president. Students are able to study economics, finance, ecological genetics, law, and information Four Georgia cities have sister-city relationships technology. with Chinese cities: Brunswick -Ganzhou, Hinesville-Yichun, Savannah- Jiujiang, and Tifton- In July 2014, GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr led Linyi. an economic development focused mission to Qingdao, Beijing and Shanghai.
Trade Relationship
Trade Relationship Delta Air Lines offers daily one-connection flights from Atlanta to Beijing and Shanghai via Detroit
EXPORTS: In 2013, Georgia’s exports to China or Tokyo. totaled $3.7 billon, ranking 2nd among Georgia’s The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) in Savannah top exporter nations. has an established relationship with nine port Top exports from Georgia to China include: cities in China. The GPA offers 12 weekly shipping civilian aircraft, engines and parts, wood pulp, services to Yantian and Shanghai, nine to internal combustion piston engines, cotton, and Ningbo, five to Xiaman, three to Qingdao, two to kraft paper. Chiwan, and one weekly service to Da-Chan Bay, Shekou and Xingang. Georgia leads the country in exporting the following goods to China: civilian aircraft, engines About GDEcD and parts (2nd), wood pulp (2nd), cotton (3rd), kraft paper (1st), and poultry (1st). The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) plans, manages and IMPORTS: In 2013, Georgia’s imports from China mobilizes state resources to attract new business totaled $17.6 billion, which was an increase in investment to Georgia, drive the expansion of st 11.4% from 2012. China ranks 1 among Georgia’s existing industry and small business, locate new top importer nations. markets for Georgia products, inspire tourists to visit Georgia and promote the state as a top Georgia’s top import products from China destination for arts events and film, music and include: automatic data processing machinery, digital entertainment projects. television receivers, lamps and light fittings, toys, plastics, and articles of iron or steel. GDEcD’s Economic Development Representative in China
Capital Investment Mr. Paul Swenson Managing Director – Trade At least 194 Georgia companies have operations State of Georgia – China in China, including but not limited to: HI Office Tower, Suite 1003 AJC International 899 Dong Fang Road Alcon Shanghai, China 200122 Delta Air Lines T: +86 (21) 6867.6006 Hooters of America [email protected] Merial, Inc. NCR Corporation *Information valid as of July 2014 Newell Rubbermaid Rock-Tenn Company The Coca-Cola Company The Home Depot Travelport LTD
There are at least 31 Chinese facilities operating in Georgia. These Chinese-affiliated companies employ at least 300 Georgians. A list can be found online at www.georgiafacts.org.
The largest Chinese investment in Georgia, based on total employment, is SANY America in Fayette County. The construction machinery company employs more than 150 Georgians.
Transportation