State of Georgia Opens Doors of Commerce to China

 GeorgiaBusiness Advisory Centerjoins state’s 10 international economic development offices

BEIJING – Governor Sonny Perdue cut the ribbon today to open Georgia's newest international economic development center, located in Beijing, China.   The Beijing Georgia Business Advisory Center Company, Ltd. will spearhead business development between China and Georgia.

“China holds tremendous potential for Georgia businesses, and Georgia offers exactly the kind of business-friendly environment Chinese companies seek,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.  “The center's formal opening signals a new era of commercial enterprise for Georgia as it reaches out to the world's most dynamic economy.”

The business advisory center, located in Beijing's Central Business (Chaoyang) District, will introduce the state's opportunities in commerce and tourism destinations to the world's fastest-growing economy.   The center will help Chinese companies find foreign direct investment opportunities in Georgia; assist Georgia companies find new export partners in Chinese markets; and introduce Georgia's tourism destinations to Chinese travelers.

The Beijing center joins Georgia's international offices in Japan, Korea, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Israel, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Canada.   The state opened its first international office in Japan in 1975. 

The ribbon-cutting for the new center is the business highlight of a 60-member delegation Governor Perdue is leading to Beijing in conjunction with the inaugural flight of Delta Air Lines' new direct flight to Shanghai.   The opening of the center was attended by Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel and other members of the delegation, in addition to Beijing dignitaries including Mr. William Brekke, Commercial Counselor of the U.S. Embassy, and Mr. Xu Hubin, Deputy Secretary General of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).

A formal dinner and celebration in honor of the center's debut in China will be held Wednesday evening, hosted by The Coca-Cola Company.   Attendance of around 300 people is expected, and entertainment will be provided by the University of Georgia Jazz Band.

International companies play a critical part in Georgia's economy, accounting for 17 percent of the total announced projects and jobs in fiscal year 2007.   China is one of 43 countries that operate over 1,600 international facilities in Georgia.   Within the past two years, Chinese companies including Kingwasong, Hailun Piano, General Protecht and Sany Industries have announced they will create more than 650 jobs and $60 million in investment in the state.

Since 2005, China has jumped from sixth to second in rank as a trade partner for Georgia. In 2007, more than $1.6 billion was exported to China through Georgia ports, a 47.5 percent increase from the year prior.

The center will be managed by Ms. Lindsay Liu, who brings a wealth of business connections to her new position.   Ms. Liu joins the Business Advisory Center from Fleishman-Hillard, one of the world's leading public relations firms.   As an account manager for the firm, Ms. Liu assisted numerous clients develop business relationships with CEOs and their companies in China.   Her practice focused on public affairs, public policies and regulations, government relationships and corporate communications.

Ms. Liu's previous management experience includes more than seven years in the hospitality industry.   She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Guangxi Normal University, and is fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese.

Also working with Ms. Liu in the new center is Michael Su, a graduate of the University of Georgia with corporate sector experience in both Georgia and Beijing.   As Commercial

Representative, Mr. Su will focus on helping Georgia companies find export partners in all regions of China.   In addition, Mission Specialist Zach Aten of Georgia is assisting operations at the center while on a fellowship from Georgia Tech.

“This business center represents Georgia's debut in the new China economy,” said Ken Stewart, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, which will administrate the new business center.  “The time is right, the place is right, and this staff is the right choice to explore the synergies and vast possibilities for mutual business collaborations between Georgia and China.”

Georgia businesses interested in doing business with China should call the Georgia Department of Economic Development at 404-962-4000 or visit www.global-georgia.org.  For more information on Governor Perdue’s mission to China, visit www.stateofgeorgiamissions.com.

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