Georgia Delegation To Head To China Amid Tariff Concerns
A child holds a Chinese and a U.S. flag at a ceremony last year. A delegation from Georgia is heading to China on Friday to encourage Chinese business and tourism in the Peach State, despite a developing trade war between the United States and China.
Andrew Harnik / Associated Press file
Georgia government and business officials head to China on a trade mission this Friday.
The trip had been planned to mark the relaunched, direct Delta route between Atlanta and Shanghai. But the tariffs China and the U.S. have recently begun imposing on each other have added an unplanned twist. (That route was canceled during the recession.)
The priority of this Georgia delegation? To encourage Chinese business and tourism in the Peach State, despite a developing trade war between the countries.
Bert Brantley, chief operating officer of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, said Georgia doesn’t let global politics get in the way of pursuing business opportunities.
“This is Georgia trying to do the best job we can to work within the trade policy that is set at the national level to be a great place to do business,” he said. “What our message is, is that Georgia is ready and open for business, regardless of where the national conversations go between our two countries.”
Brantley said Georgia is competing with other American states for Chinese business and having a direct flight will make a difference.
Jorge Fernandez, vice president of global commerce at the Metro Atlanta Chamber, is also going on the trip. He called the tariffs “the elephant in the room” but said the timing is an opportunity for local markets to step up and independently showcase themselves.
He said it’s all about making connections: “And building those relationships are key to weathering the storms happening right now with the trade wars.”
Lani Wong, chair of the Atlanta-based National Association of Chinese Americans, said trips like this are key.
“The more we have a better understanding on both sides, it will help us on how to navigate this difficult time,” she said.
Fernandez also highlighted the edge a direct flight will provide, especially in boosting tourism.
Georgia exports to China have grown by 41 percent since 2008, and China is the state’s No. 1 importer.
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