The Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority (MBCIA) welcomed representatives from various international markets to Georgia in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). Their visit included a tour of Irving Consumer Products Limited, a well-known Canadian company that began its investment into Macon in 2017.
 
GDEcD first opened its international offices in Japan and Europe 50 years ago. Since then, Georgia’s international representation has expanded into 12 strategic markets throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. The organization’s representatives help to further the state’s trade relations through providing market intelligence, customized export assistance, guidance on local business practices, and pre-qualifying appropriate partners.
 
“We’re grateful to have been a part of this important meeting, and we’re honored to share our unique positioning for new industry,” said Stephen Adams, Executive Director of MBCIA. “A visit like this has a great positive impact in growing the relationship between Georgia and the global economy, and it has allowed us to showcase our capabilities, resources and dedication to working with international companies to establish business and advanced manufacturing operations in Macon.”
 
The State of Georgia has achieved a record-breaking year for international trade for the second year in a row. Georgia’s total trade exceeded $196 billion across 221 countries and territories and surpassed $47 billion in exports last year, breaking the previous record by nearly $5 billion and recording an 11% increase compared to 2021. 
 
The state ranks seventh in the U.S. for dollar value of trade and 11th in the U.S. for dollar value of exports, up one spot from 2021. Fifty-two percent of Georgia’s exports and 57% of the state’s total trade involved strategic markets such as Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Europe, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Peru, and the United Kingdom. 

“Georgia’s economy supports record-breaking growth because of its diversified economic development strategy,” said Deputy Commissioner of International Trade Mary Waters, Georgia Department of Economic Development. “Robust industries create a platform for trade, which in turn provides opportunities for growth for businesses of all sizes. Our international representatives play a vital role by building connections that have led to new investment and trade opportunities over the last 50 years, reflecting the state’s commitment to long-term partnerships.”