Georgia Announces Summer Trade Mission to United Kingdom

ATLANTA, March 3, 2010 – The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) today announced plans to lead a delegation of Georgia exporters and communities to the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) July 19-25, 2010, in Farnborough, England.  The biennial Farnborough International Airshow features aviation and aerospace companies from countries worldwide, and is the second largest aviation event in the world. 'Georgia looks forward to collaborating with companies and communities throughout the state to create and expand international business opportunities,' said Heidi Green, deputy commissioner for Global Commerce for the Georgia Department of Economic Development.  'By participating in the Farnborough International Airshow, Georgia companies can take advantage of strategic and intentional opportunities to bring enhanced awareness to their aerospace brands on a global scale.' This year's show features large defense related exhibitors as well as representative companies from the commercial aviation sector.  The FIA has proven to create significant business opportunities, with $88.7 billion worth of orders announced during the 2008 FIA. Aerospace is one of Georgia's leading strategic industries that have been targeted for growth. In addition to industry giants like Delta Air Lines, Gulfstream Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman, Georgia is home to more than 500 aerospace and aviation businesses.  The state ranks eighth nationwide for aviation industry employment, with more than 80,000 employees working in this industry in Georgia. 'Georgia companies involved in international trade will find valuable opportunities to create global business prospects at the show,' said Mike Harling, managing director of the United Kingdom/Ireland Office for the State of Georgia.  'In addition to Germany and the U.K., the FIA also attracts potential customers and partners from markets all over the world, including all of Europe, North Africa, Asia and the Middle East, allowing for companies to make connections with new customers.' Georgia is among the top five states in the nation in aerospace exports to the United Kingdom, growing 22 percent in 2009.  The U.K. and Germany are Georgia's leading trade partners for aerospace products totaling more than $740 million.  Georgia's total aviation exports worldwide topped $3.4 billion in 2009, ranking the state as the eighth-highest U.S. state in this sector. The state was also well represented during the 2009 Dubai International Airshow, creating important sales opportunities from Georgia's strong export partners in Europe, India and Africa.  Governor Perdue led a 37-person delegation to the 2009 show, including nine Georgia organizations or companies, to explore the opportunities that existed only at this air show.   To help all of Georgia's companies capitalize on this important event, GDEcD has created reasonably priced event packages targeting small-to-medium sized companies and communities working with limited marketing budgets.  The final deadline for registration is May 1, but an early bird discount for exhibitors is available until April 1. For complete details or to register for the trade mission, contact Kathy Oxford, Senior Trade Manager, at 678-640-4351 or [email protected]. For more information about international business in Georgia, please visit our International Business page. About GDEcD The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, music and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.  Visit www.georgia.org for more information.