Georgia's Ties with China Grow Stronger

Officials from the Georgia Department of Economic Development and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport recently signed a memorandum of understanding to build cooperation and share best practices with the Shanghai Airport Authority, which runs both Pudong International Airport (where Delta flies) and Hongqiao International Airport, the cross-town hub attached to a major high-speed rail station and focused more on domestic flights. This coincided with the inauguration of Delta's new direct flight from Atlanta to Shanghai.

MOU Ceremony Video

According to a recent Delta Air Lines press release:

The new Atlanta flight will be Delta's fourth U.S. gateway to Shanghai, complementing existing service from Detroit, Seattle and Los Angeles. The flight will provide convenient one-stop access to more than 150 destinations in the U.S. and Latin America from Shanghai. In addition, the flight will also provide access to more than 50 destinations in China with codeshare partner China Eastern. The flight creates a direct link between one of China's major commercial and industrial centers and Atlanta. The new flight adds to Delta's existing service to Seoul and Tokyo, providing Atlanta with non-stop service to the three largest markets in Asia and convenient one-stop access to more than 75 destinations in Asia with partners China Eastern and Korean Air.

This agreement certainly deepens Georgia's economic ties with China. During the same trip, members of the Georgia delegation, including Delta Air Lines, enjoyed a wonderful celebration on The Bund in Shanghai with some of our many friends in China.

Reception Video

The state of Georgia has had continuous representation in China since 2007. Georgia-based organizations such as the Georgia China Alliance, National Association of Chinese Americans (NACA), Chinese Business Association of Atlanta (CBAA), Association of Chinese Professionals (ACP) and U.S.-China Peoples Friendship Association (USCPFA) help foster business connections between Georgians and Chinese professionals. Georgia has four sister city agreements with China: Brunswick - Ganzhou, Hinesville - Yichun, Savannah -Jiujiang and Tifton - Linyi. Sandy Springs has a friendship-city relationship with Taicang.

Exports

In 2017, Georgia's exports to China totaled $2.83 billion. China is currently the 3rd largest export market for Georgia. Top exports from Georgia to China include: civilian aircraft, chemical woodpulp, Kraft paper and paperboard, medical devices and coniferous wood.

Imports

In 2017, Georgia's imports from China totaled $22.22 billion, a 20% increase over 2016. China ranks 1st among Georgia's importer nations. Georgia's top imported products from China include: parts and accessories for automatic data processing machines, automatic data processing machines, seats, toys and furniture. There are at least 101 Chinese facilities operating in Georgia employing at least 5,000 Georgians. A list can be found online at Georgia.org/SiteSelector. Here is a video featuring Hisense, Linhai, and Sany talking about business and life in Georgia.

More information can be found at Georgia.org/China.