Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that he and First Lady Marty Kemp will travel to Belgium and the United Kingdom this week to strengthen economic ties with both countries. The trip, which includes representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), aims to reinforce relationships with companies already operating or building facilities in Georgia.
“Companies from Belgium and the U.K. support jobs in manufacturing and technology in communities across the state,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “As Marty and I have throughout my time in office, we are proud to meet directly with companies at their global headquarters and tell them why Georgia is the best place for them to invest their dollars and grow their workforce. Job creators value that commitment and personal approach, which has yielded incredible results for communities statewide.”
The delegation’s itinerary includes meetings with several firms such as Beaulieu International Group, Bekaert, Dumaplast, JCB, Prayon Group, Resilux, Sage, and UCB SA—all of which have business operations or investments in Georgia.
“With more than 50 years of representation in Europe and more than 20 years of additional U.K.-focused support in-market, Georgia remains committed to lasting partnerships in international markets,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “European companies are innovators in key industries including life sciences, manufacturing, and technology that support high-quality jobs in Georgia.”
Georgia has maintained a continuous presence in Europe since 1973—when it also established an international representation office in Japan—and expanded its focus on the U.K. market starting in 2002 according to information from the official website. Both Belgium and the United Kingdom were among Georgia’s top 15 trade partners by dollar value last year.
Belgium first set up a consular presence in Georgia as early as 1834. In 2024 alone, trade between Georgia and Belgium exceeded $4.8 billion. In June 2022, Princess Astrid of Belgium led a large delegation of officials and business leaders on what was described as the largest international trade mission to visit Georgia since the Atlanta Olympics.
The British Consulate General has had a presence since 1804; total trade between Georgia and the United Kingdom surpassed $5.7 billion last year.
The Office of the Governor directs state government through executive functions—including promoting international economic development via overseas offices—and operates out of Atlanta at the Governor’s Mansion built on an 18-acre site featuring Federal period art (source).
Georgia’s current leadership continues these efforts as part of its executive branch responsibilities (source).
