Governor Brian Kemp has announced that he and First Lady Marty Kemp will lead an international mission this week to promote economic development opportunities for business leaders in Brazil and Argentina that will benefit hardworking Georgians.
Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper will join them on the trip to represent Georgia's industry and the state's farming families. Members of the Georgia Department of Economic Development will also join to strengthen longstanding ties between Georgia and South American economic partners.
Representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Department of Agriculture, and Georgia Ports Authority will join the Governor and the First Lady. They will conduct meetings with firms already operating or under construction in Georgia during the trip, as well as attend diplomatic and relationship-building bilateral meetings.
For context, Georgia has a longstanding relationship with Brazil, dating back to the establishment of a consular presence in the state in 1899. The state has had continuous representation in Brazil since 1995, and in 2024, Georgia's exports to Brazil totaled $748 million.
Argentina also established a consular presence in Georgia in 1899, and in 2024, Georgia's exports to Argentina totaled $120 million.
Kemp commented on the significance of this economic mission and highlighted the beneficial relationship that Georgia has with South American countries. He demonstrated this by citing how companies from that region have invested over $160 million in Georgia over the last six years alone.
“Since I took office, businesses that operate in Brazil have created over a thousand jobs for Georgians, with many investments strengthening established sectors like our No. 1 industry of agriculture. We're always eager to grow those pipelines of opportunity so more Georgians in all parts of the state can benefit,” Kemp stated. “Likewise, we look forward to thanking the brave men and women of the Georgia Guard and their partners in Argentina who are supporting our shared security goals.”
Harper expressed a similar optimism about the trip and stated, "The success of Georgia’s #1 industry depends on our farmers' ability to get their goods to market, and leveraging Georgia’s port system and reducing trade barriers with countries around the globe are vital components of ensuring the continued success of Georgia agriculture and our state as a whole."
