Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that he and First Lady Marty Kemp will lead a state delegation on an economic mission to Brazil and Argentina this week, aiming to promote business opportunities that benefit Georgia residents. The trip will include Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, who is representing the state’s largest industry, as well as members of the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
The delegation plans to strengthen existing relationships with international partners. While in Argentina, General Richard “Dwayne” Wilson will join the group for meetings with members of the Georgia National Guard and their Argentinian counterparts under the Department of Defense State Partnership Program.
“Companies from South America have invested over $160 million in Georgia over the last six years, with the bulk of investments and jobs coming from countries where Georgia is represented,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Since I took office, businesses that operate in Brazil have created over a thousand jobs for Georgians, with many investments strengthening established sectors like our No. 1 industry of agriculture. We’re always eager to grow those pipelines of opportunity so more Georgians in all parts of the state can benefit. Likewise, we look forward to thanking the brave men and women of the Georgia Guard and their partners in Argentina who are supporting our shared security goals.”
Officials from several agencies—including the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), Georgia Department of Agriculture, and Georgia Ports Authority—will meet with firms operating or building facilities in Georgia during this mission. Diplomatic meetings are also planned as part of ongoing efforts to support economic ties between these regions. The trip marks 30 years since Georgia established its economic office in Brazil.
“I’m proud to join Governor Kemp, Commissioner Wilson, and other state leaders on this important trade mission to South America, and I look forward to working with our partners in Brazil and Argentina to continue to build upon our already strong relationship,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “The success of Georgia’s #1 industry depends on our farmers’ ability to get their goods to market, and leveraging Georgia’s port system and reducing trade barriers with countries around the globe are vital components of ensuring the continued success of Georgia agriculture and our state as a whole.”
“This year is the 30th anniversary of Georgia’s representation in Brazil, an incredible milestone for one of the state’s top 20 trade partners and proof of Georgia’s lasting partnerships in international markets,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Through our ports and collaborations such as the Delta Air Lines-LATAM partnership, Georgia’s connectivity to South America means opportunity. Brazil and Argentina are home to some of the largest agriculture and infrastructure companies in South America, aligning with Georgia’s strong agribusiness and food and beverage industries as well as the state’s continued growth and investments in infrastructure development.”
Brazil first established consular presence in Georgia more than a century ago; since 1995 there has been continuous representation by the State itself. In 2024 alone, exports from Georgia to Brazil totaled $748 million. Similarly, Argentina set up consular operations alongside Brazil back in 1899; currently both markets are served by a representative based out of Chile for trade purposes—with Georgia’s exports reaching $120 million last year.
The itinerary includes meetings with several major companies:
– JBS supports about 9,000 jobs across various sites statewide through its subsidiary Pilgrim’s; it recently announced plans for a new prepared foods facility expected to create hundreds more positions.
– Taurus relocated its U.S headquarters—and manufacturing—to Bainbridge six years ago.
– Brazilian National Steel Company (CSN) has diversified interests supporting local infrastructure.
– Embraer Aircraft Maintenance Services operates an MRO facility at Middle Georgia Regional Airport.
– GranBio maintains its U.S research center through AVAPCO LLC in Thomaston.
– AGCO—founded locally—has grown into a global producer operating multiple facilities throughout South America.
– Guidoni Group invested approximately $100 million into its McRae site.
– BERSA runs a production plant out of Cartersville after being founded decades ago abroad.
