ATLANTA (AP) -- Gov. Nathan Deal will head to Asia next week with the goal of exploring opportunities for business, trade and tourism.
Deal will lead a delegation of state officials and business leaders on the nine-day trip to China and Japan from Aug. 22-30. The group plans to visit Shanghai, Qingdao and Jinan in the People's Republic of China as well as Tokyo.
"This trip marks a number of milestones for Georgia and emphasizes the state's commitment to continuing to build on these key relationships," Deal said in a statement. "It's an honor to lead this delegation, both to showcase what Georgia has to offer to an emerging market and to celebrate all Georgia has accomplished with a lasting partnership in another."
State officials say China represents a significant growth market for Georgia and is already the second-largest export destination for Georgia businesses. With more than $3.6 billion in exports annually, Georgia leads the United States in exports of carpets, poultry, aircraft and wood products to China.
The delegation will end its trip in Tokyo, where it will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the state's oldest economic development office on Aug. 29. Japan is one of Georgia's leading investors and trading nations.
The governor's office said the delegation reflects Georgia's diverse strengths:
- Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black, along with agriculture officials and business representatives, plans to market Georgia to China for agricultural opportunities;
- University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby and other education officials plan to look for academic collaborations;
- Georgia Ports Authority Executive Director Curtis Foltz and Ben Tarbutton, III, of Sandersville Railroad Co. are to represent top Georgia logistics assets;
Other participants include a large tourism team and economic development officials.
Tuesday
July 1st, 2025
4:48AM
