Governor Brian P. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp are leading an economic development mission to Panama this week, focusing on logistics infrastructure and supply chain operations at the Panama Canal. The delegation includes representatives from the Georgia Ports Authority and the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
“Georgia’s ports directly and indirectly support over 650,000 jobs across the state and are some of the fastest growing in the United States,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “The Panama Canal connects shipping routes with some of Georgia’s top business partners to Savannah and Brunswick, and we look forward to learning more about their operations as we continue to innovate and invest in our infrastructure at home.”
Griff Lynch, President and CEO of Georgia Ports Authority, added, “We are one of the top trading partners with the Panama Canal, and we look to build on this with our trip to Panama.”
Georgia is a significant player in U.S. trade, ranking sixth nationally for trade value. In 2024 alone, Georgia facilitated more than $198.7 billion in trade with 222 countries and territories. The ports of Savannah and Brunswick play important roles in this activity. The Port of Savannah handles frequent ship calls each week, along with regular train shipments and daily truck movements. Meanwhile, the Port of Brunswick is recognized as a leading roll-on/roll-off port for automotive and machinery logistics in the country, following substantial recent investments including upgrades worth over $262 million and ongoing construction of a new berth.
Pat Wilson, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, stated: “Connectivity drives business, and the Panama Canal is a vital link in Georgia’s global network. The strong flow of goods between Panama and our ports fuels investment, supports jobs, and keeps Georgia competitive. When companies combine that connectivity with our skilled workforce and pro-business environment, it’s clear why so many choose to invest and grow in Georgia.”
