Governor Perdue to Lead Delegation Promoting Industry, Trade with Japan, Korea

Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue will lead a delegation of Georgia business leaders to both the 27th annual Southeast U.S.-Japan Joint Meeting (SEUS-Japan) in Osaka, Japan and the 17th annual Southeast U.S.-Korea Joint Conference (SEUS-Korea) in Seoul, South Korea on October 26-28 and October 30-31, respectively. These annual meetings are held to foster the development of trade and industry, and promote friendly relations between the southeastern United States and the two Asian nations.

"These meetings will help Georgia continue the warm relationships we have built with Japan and Korea and help the state recruit new companies and create new jobs," said Governor Perdue. "It is a chance to build bridges and business connections."

"Each year, this conference provides new opportunities for companies from Georgia and Japan to work together," said Daniel Amos, chairman and CEO of AFLAC, a Columbus, Ga.-based company that is the most profitable foreign insurer in Japan. "By sharing ideas and opportunities, we all benefit and help strengthen Georgia's position internationally."

The seven-member states in the Southeast U.S.-Japan Association are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The association, since its inception, meets in even-numbered years in the U.S. and in Japan during the odd-numbered years. Georgia will host the 28th Joint Meeting of the Southeast U.S.-Japan Association in 2004 in Atlanta.

Georgia leads the southeast in Japanese investment and is fourth in the country with $4.3 billion. Most recently, Suzuki Motor Corp inaugurated manufacturing all-terrain vehicles at its new plant in Rome, Ga.; Toyota Industries announced its plans to construct a $60 million facility to manufacture automotive components in Jackson County, Ga.; Fuji Vegetable Oil, Inc. announced it is undergoing a $32 million expansion at its manufacturing facility in Savannah; and Yamaha completed a $50 million, 400 job expansion of its facility in Newnan to increase its employment at the site to more than 1,400.

Georgia will host Japan's Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi, next year along with the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Russia and the United Kingdom when President Bush hosts the G8 Summit of world economic leaders on Sea Island, Georgia, June 8-10, 2004.

While attending the SEUS Korea Conference, Governor Perdue will meet with Korean government and business leaders, including representatives from leading automotive, transportation and communications companies. Events scheduled include seminars on trade and investment opportunities, and panel discussions focused on economic, commercial and technical issues.

Korea has been a growing source of business investment for Georgia in recent years. SKC America, a manufacturer of polyester film, continues to consider additional growth for its North American headquarters in Covington, Ga., which represents a $400 million investment and 300 jobs. Additionally, KOS America, Inc. opened a new $8 million steel wire manufacturing facility in Oakwood, Ga., and United Synthetic Industries expanded production and jobs at its new polyester fiber plant in LaFayette, Ga.

"These annual meetings provide companies in the region with unparalleled networking opportunities with business and government leadership in Korea," said Governor Perdue. "We work hard to ensure that participants from Korea learn about the tremendous business potential available in Georgia and the entire Southeast."

The SEUS-Japan Association, organized in 1975, and the SEUS-Korea Association, organized in 1985, were created to foster the development of trade and industry, and promote friendly relations between the Southeastern United States and Japan and Korea in the areas of international trade, industry, technology, culture and commerce.

For information regarding Georgia's delegation or registration at SEUS-Japan or SEUS-Korea, please contact Gwen Kemmerick at 404-656-3571.

The seven-member states are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The associations, since their inceptions, meet in even-numbered years in the U.S. and in Japan and Korea during the odd-numbered years. Georgia will host the 28th Joint Meeting of the Southeast U.S.-Japan Association in 2004 in Atlanta. Georgia hosted the 16th annual Southeast U.S.-Korea Joint Conference in Savannah in November 2002.

The Georgia Department of Industry, Trade & Tourism is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, promoting the state as a location for film and video projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.