ATLANTA — Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp will lead an international economic development mission this week to Belgium and the United Kingdom, reinforcing long-standing trade relationships and advancing foreign direct investment opportunities for the state.
The mission will include meetings with European companies that currently operate in Georgia or have facilities under construction, underscoring the state’s strategy of maintaining direct executive-level engagement with global investors across key industries including manufacturing, technology, and life sciences.
“Companies from Belgium and the United Kingdom support jobs in manufacturing and technology in communities across Georgia,” Governor Kemp said. “By meeting directly with leadership teams at their global headquarters, we continue to demonstrate why Georgia is the best place to invest capital and grow a workforce. That personal commitment has delivered strong results statewide.”
Governor and First Lady Kemp will be joined by representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, which has maintained a permanent presence in Europe for more than five decades.
“With over 50 years of representation in Europe and more than 20 years of dedicated U.K. market support, Georgia remains committed to building lasting international partnerships,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “European companies are leaders in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and technology—industries that continue to generate high-quality jobs and long-term investment across Georgia.”
Belgium and United Kingdom: Key Trade Partners
Georgia has maintained continuous European representation since 1973, with expanded U.K.-focused operations established in 2002. In 2024, both Belgium and the United Kingdom ranked among Georgia’s top 15 global trade partners by dollar value.
Belgium established its first consular presence in Georgia in 1834. Total trade between Georgia and Belgium exceeded $4.8 billion in 2024. In June 2022, Georgia hosted a high-level Belgian delegation led by Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium—the largest international trade mission to visit the state since the 1996 Olympic Games.
The United Kingdom has maintained a consular presence in Georgia since 1804. In 2024, Georgia’s total trade with the U.K. surpassed $5.7 billion, reflecting the depth and durability of the bilateral economic relationship.
Companies on the Mission Itinerary
During the mission, the Georgia delegation will meet with executives from several global firms with significant operations in the state, including:
- Beaulieu International Group — Subsidiary Beauflor USA operates a flooring manufacturing facility in Bartow County
- Bekaert — Global supplier with operations in Rome and Marietta
- Dumaplast — Sustainable cladding manufacturer with operations in Canton
- JCB — North American headquarters and major manufacturing operations in Savannah
- Prayon Group — Production facility in Augusta serving food, healthcare, and technical markets
- Resilux — PET manufacturing and recycling operations in Pendergrass
- Sage — North American headquarters and innovation hub in metro Atlanta
- UCB SA — U.S. subsidiary headquarters located in Cobb County
The international mission reflects Georgia’s continued emphasis on executive engagement, market access, and long-term partnership building as core drivers of foreign direct investment, workforce growth, and industrial expansion.
