Global Partnerships, Local Growth

As Georgia continues to strengthen its role as a hub for advanced manufacturing and international commerce, business leaders gathered at the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Made in Georgia event to discuss one of today’s most pressing topics: how global tariffs and trade dynamics are reshaping opportunities across the state.

Moderated by Dean Anason, Editor-in-Chief of the Atlanta Business Chronicle, the conversation featured the Consuls General of Japan, Canada, and Mexico—three of Georgia’s most vital global partners and investors. Each provided perspective on how their countries’ economies are evolving and what that means for Georgia’s future in global trade.

Japan: Resilience, Diversification, and Deep Georgia Roots

Hiroyuki Kaneda, Deputy Consul General of Japan, highlighted Japan’s transition from a “cost-cutting economy to a growth-driven economy.” With Japan’s population and workforce shrinking, companies are seeking new markets and increasingly finding them in the Southeastern U.S.

Georgia is home to over 700 Japanese-affiliated companies, employing roughly 23,000 people statewide. The variety of industries represented—from automotive and semiconductors to pharmaceuticals and water heaters—underscores the stability of the Georgia-Japan economic partnership.

“Japanese companies have built long-term, community-focused relationships in Georgia,” Kaneda noted, referencing among other things the 50-year presence of zipper manufacturer YKK and its ongoing investment in the state. “We are growing with Georgia step by step.”

Canada: Strengthening Supply Chains and Strategic Sectors

Rosaline Kwan, Canada’s Consul General in Atlanta, emphasized the depth and balance of the Canada-U.S. relationship—worth about $1 trillion annually in trade and services.

Canada’s economy, she explained, remains strong but faces challenges from policy shifts and tariff uncertainty. To strengthen resilience, Canada is investing heavily in critical minerals, infrastructure, and energy—areas that directly connect to Georgia’s logistics and manufacturing ecosystem.

Recent investments, including expansions by Irving Consumer Products and Price Industries demonstrate Canada’s long-term confidence in the state. More than 400 Canadian companies already operate in Georgia, supporting 3,000 local jobs, but Canadian influence in Georgia’s economy goes beyond workforce.

“Georgia has been one of Canada’s top export markets for the last 25 years,” Kwan said. “These relationships are deep and built on trust.”

Mexico: Growing Together Through Co-Production

Rafael Laveaga, Consul General of Mexico, brought an energetic perspective on his country’s growing role in the North American economy. Mexico recorded $36 billion in foreign investment in the first half of 2025 alone, with key sectors like automotive, medical devices, and electronics leading the way.

Trade between Georgia and Mexico has surged 60% since 2020, rising from $18 billion in 2023 to $25 billion in 2024. “We are no longer just trading partners—we are co-producers,” Laveaga said. “From peanuts processed in South Georgia to high-tech manufacturing in Baja California, our economies are deeply connected. Over five million U.S. jobs depend on trade with Mexico—and 157,000 of those are right here in Georgia.”

A Shared Vision for Georgia’s Global Future

From Japan’s long-term manufacturing commitments to Canada’s supply chain innovation and Mexico’s accelerating trade growth, the panel made one thing clear: Georgia’s economic success is deeply intertwined with its global partnerships.

As the world navigates evolving trade policies, Georgia remains a trusted destination for investment—thanks to its world-class logistics, skilled workforce, and culture of collaboration.

For companies exploring growth in the U.S. Southeast, Georgia offers the connections, stability, and opportunity to thrive.

Interested in Locating to Georgia? Business Recruitment Directors like Ashley Varnum are here to help!

Reach out directly to a member of our statewide team like Ashley, to find out how we can help your global business grow.

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