Georgia's International Connections Empower a Global Economy

Industry Leaders Outline Successes in Georgia G8 Summit Panel Discussion 

SAVANNAH , GA – Leaders from Georgia 's international community met today at the G8 Summit International Media Center for a panel discussion focused on the steps the state is taking to strengthen its global connections and raise its profile as a partner in the global economy.

Participants included former U.S. Senator Mack Mattingly; Jim Lientz, chief operating officer for the state of Georgia; Jose Ignacio Gonzalez, executive director of Hemisphere, Inc.; Doug Friesen, vice president of operations for JCB; and Josephine Tan, chairwoman of the Asian-American Commission for a New Georgia.

“Georgia has long played an important role in international business and global affairs,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “The G8 Summit is just one in a long line of events that have placed Georgia on the global stage and demonstrated our leadership to the world.”

Georgia is the leading global commercial center in the fast growing South and home to 16 Fortune 500 companies. More than 1,600 internationally owned companies representing 39 countries are located in the state and employ more than 125,000 Georgians, representing an estimated capital investment of $15.5 billion. Georgia is also the 14th largest exporter in the country, and the export industry is valued at more than $16 billion. More than 50 countries are represented in Georgia with full-time consulates, trade, tourist and cultural offices, and bi-national chambers of commerce.

As home to The Carter Center, CARE USA , and others, Georgia is increasingly recognized as a force in international affairs, including human rights, global health, and democracy.

“ Georgia 's diverse population, global business ties and worldwide connections have created a global economy and a center for international affairs, trade and business,” said Governor Perdue.

**Audio of the briefing will be available at http://www.georgia.org/G8/news/multimedia.html