GOVERNOR DEAL IN ASIA

This week Governor Deal returned from a nine-day whirlwind tour of South Korea and China, covering five cities in seven days. He first spent time in Seoul, meeting with high-level representatives from Kia, Georgia's largest investor, as well as quite a few other Korean companies that we're not ready to name just yet! 
After two full days of business in Korea, Governor Deal went on to China, where he visited four cities in as many days, meeting with private companies and government leaders, announcing a new investment by SANY in Peachtree City for 300 jobs and $25 million, and leaking news about the new GDEcD investment office to be opened in port city Qingdao.
 
All over the world, but particularly in Asia, personal relationships and face-to-face meetings are the only way to do business. Even in our world of constant connectivity, there's something about looking a person in the eye and shaking their hand that makes a big difference in our work.
 
We have found that when our Governor visits a foreign country, it sends a clear signal that Georgia knows the value these companies bring when they invest in the state, that we are serious about wanting them here, and that we will do what it takes to grow jobs for Georgians. And our interaction doesn't stop there – our in-country reps, who speak the language and know the people, follow up on each meeting to maximize its impact and help companies make the decision to locate their project here. Our project managers routinely welcome our new international friends to Georgia, taking them on site visits to meet communities and check out possible locations for their new facilities. And we work closely with our partners all over the state – together, we provide greater support than any one of us could alone.
 
We look forward to these efforts bringing you more announcements, more investment, and more jobs for Georgians in the coming months!
 
Abby Turano
Account Manager, Marketing & Communications
Georgia Department of Economic Development