Georgia Governor Perdue Calls on Georgia-based Businesses in China

Governor Perdue meets with Mayor of Shanghai; tours GE Technology Center

April 1, 2008 -- BEIIJING – Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue was welcomed to China on Monday by the Honorable Han Zheng, Mayor of Shanghai. Governor Perdue is in China to lead a 60-member business delegation in conjunction with Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines’ inaugural direct flight to Shanghai.

Governor Sonny Perdue (left) meets with the Honorable Han Zheng, Mayor of Shanghai

Today, Governor Perdue toured the General Electric China Technology Center in Shanghai, kicking off a series of visits to Georgia companies with operating facilities in China. GE Energy, based in Atlanta, is one of the world’s leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technology.

“I am proud that Georgia’s energetic business climate provides the resources that support the international expansion of our homegrown companies,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “The success that these companies enjoy in China and other markets around the world ultimately contributes to our own economy in Georgia.”

During his stay in China, which has the world’s fastest-growing economy, Governor Perdue will also attend a luncheon in his honor hosted by UPS, another multi-national company based in Georgia. UPS serves more than 200 cities China and anticipates that number will continue to grow.

On Thursday, First Lady Mary Perdue will lead the Georgia delegation to visit Project Hope at a primary school in the town of Tianjin, outside Beijing. Project Hope is a non-profit program sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company that provides education for children in remote, underdeveloped areas of China through more than 7,000 schools. The Coca-Cola Company, headquartered in Atlanta, has invested more than a billion dollars in China since 1979 and has opened almost 40 joint-venture bottling plants in the country. The company is building a new research center in Shanghai to develop products for Asian markets.

“Coca-Cola, UPS and GE Energy are shining examples of the many Georgia-based companies who find success in China,” said Governor Perdue. “Georgia’s new business development center in Beijing will open up unprecedented opportunities for small and medium-sized companies who want to follow their example and engage in commerce with China.”

Governor Perdue and the Georgia delegation will travel to Beijing today for members of the delegation to make business calls and explore opportunities in China. Governor Perdue will also formally open the Georgia Business Advisory Center, the newest addition to the state’s 10 international offices. The center will provide a platform for Georgia companies to continue their marketing outreach in the Asian nation.

This mission marks Governor Perdue’s 14th international trip. For more information on Governor Perdue’s visit to China, including photographs and updates written by delegation members while in China, visit http://www.stateofgeorgiamissions.com.

Source: Georgia Governor

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