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ATLANTA ~ Governor Brian P. Kemp of Georgia has announced that he will be leading an international mission to Europe in order to strengthen economic and cultural ties with Germany and Poland. The goal of this mission is to not only solidify existing partnerships, but also to develop new relationships that will bring further opportunities for hardworking Georgians.

In a statement, Governor Kemp highlighted the success of international companies investing in Georgia over the past six years. He stated that these investments have totaled over $38 billion and have created more than 58,000 new job opportunities for Georgians across the state. He also noted that over 80% of these jobs were created outside of metro Atlanta, showcasing the state's commitment to economic growth in all regions.

The Governor emphasized the importance of Georgia's partnership with Germany, which he described as instrumental in the state's economic success. Germany is one of Georgia's largest trade partners and has been a major contributor to job creation and investment in the state. With plans to return money to Georgia taxpayers and invest in key areas such as public safety and education, Governor Kemp sees this mission as an opportunity to reinforce collaboration with Germany while also exploring potential partnerships with an emerging market.

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Accompanying Governor Kemp on this mission will be representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). Together, they will conduct meetings with firms already operating or under construction in Georgia, as well as attend diplomatic and relationship-building opportunities. Notable German companies on their itinerary include BASF, Gerresheimer, Carcoustics, KIRCHHOFF Automotive, and GEDIA Automotive Group – all of which currently employ hardworking Georgians.

According to GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson, German companies excel in industries such as life sciences and automotive manufacturing. He stated that Georgia serves as a strategic gateway for these companies and other European businesses looking to enter the U.S. market. In fact, over the past two decades, German automotive firms alone have contributed approximately 2,200 jobs and $830 million in investments to Georgia communities. The growth of life sciences companies like Gerresheimer further demonstrates the integral role that international businesses play in the state's economy.

In addition to strengthening ties with Germany, this mission also includes exploring opportunities in Poland. Commissioner Wilson believes that by staying ahead of global trends and building new partnerships, Georgia can support local companies seeking to expand internationally.

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The connection between Germany and Georgia dates back to 1973 when the state first established representation in Europe. Today, Germany is the fourth largest export and import market for Georgia, with over $12.8 billion in total trade between the two in 2023. German companies have invested more than $3.9 billion in Georgia since 2010 through projects with state involvement. It is estimated that these investments support approximately 42,000 jobs for hardworking Georgians across the state.

Some notable Georgia-based companies with operations in Germany include Alimera Sciences, Bridgestone Golf, Delta Air Lines, Eversheds Sutherland, Graphic Packaging Holding, Novelis, Porex Corporation, and WestRock.

The current itinerary for this mission includes visits to BASF's manufacturing facilities in Attapulgus, Edgar, and Savannah; Gerresheimer's production facility and Technical Competence Center (TCC) in Peachtree City; Carcoustics' central research center and manufacturing presence in Buford; KIRCHHOFF Automotive's assembly facility in Lawrenceville; and GEDIA Automotive Group's advanced manufacturing facility focused on parts for electric vehicles in the greater Dalton area.

Governor Kemp's international mission to Europe highlights the importance of strong economic partnerships for the state of Georgia. By strengthening existing ties with Germany and exploring new opportunities in Poland, this mission aims to bring further growth and prosperity to hardworking Georgians across all regions of the state.

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