Governor Brian Kemp (R-GA) recently announced that he and his wife, First Lady Marty Kemp, will lead an international mission this week to reinforce economic relationships in Belgium and the United Kingdom.
The Governor and First Lady will be joined by representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), and they will conduct meetings with companies already operating or under construction in Georgia.
Context
Belgium and the U.K. ranked among Georgia's top 15 trade partners by dollar value in 2024. The State of Georgia has also had representation in Europe since 1973, with expanded representation focused on the U.K. market added in 2002.
Belgium first established a consular presence in Georgia in 1834, and in 2024, Georgia's total trade with Belgium exceeded $4.8 billion.
The British Consulate General has maintained a consular presence in Georgia since 1804, and in 2024, Georgia’s total trade with the United Kingdom exceeded $5.7 billion.
In June 2022, Georgia even welcomed a delegation of high-ranking Belgian officials, diplomats, and business leaders led by Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium. The visit was the largest international trade mission to Georgia since the 1996 Olympics.
Comments
Gov. Kemp commented on the relationship between Georgia, Belgium, and the UK, expressing excitement about meeting with Georgia’s overseas business partners.
“As Marty and I have throughout my time in office, we are proud to meet directly with companies at their global headquarters and tell them why Georgia is the best place for them to invest their dollars and grow their workforce,” Kemp stated. “Job creators value that commitment and personal approach, which has yielded incredible results for communities statewide.”
GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson explained why it’s necessary to maintain these relationships and characterized European companies as innovators in key industries.
“With more than 50 years of representation in Europe and more than 20 years of additional U.K.-focused support in-market, Georgia remains committed to lasting partnerships in international markets,” Wilson commented. “With more than 50 years of representation in Europe and more than 20 years of additional U.K.-focused support in-market, Georgia remains committed to lasting partnerships in international markets.”
