The Georgia Department of Economic Development has selected The China Hand Consulting Co., Ltd., as the state’s newest international trade representative. The agency, based in Shanghai, will complement Georgia’s international investment team for China, which is located in Qingdao. Georgia’s representatives in Qingdao and Shanghai will work together to promote trade and investment throughout China.

“Strengthening our international trade representation – especially within a country that has a booming economy –will bring great opportunities for Georgians,” said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr. “Georgia has a strong international trade presence, and China is Georgia’s second-largest export market. I am confident that the relationship between our state and China will continue to expand.”

The China Hand Consulting Co. has provided trade facilitation and investment services to more than 1,000 companies. Their services include locating distributors/buyers for American products, organizing trade missions, conducting market research, and providing strategic consulting and advocacy for the market in China.

“China is an important market for our state and the announcement of a new trade representative in Shanghai will further these relationships throughout the country,” said Kathe Falls, Division Director, International Trade at GDEcD. “I have no doubt that this new representation will help to increase our state’s footprint within China’s business center.”

Paul H. Swenson formed The China Hand Consulting Co. to assist U.S. states with trade and investment initiatives, as well as support Chinese investors with successfully investing within the United States. The office works closely with their clients to build successes by bridging cultures and providing unique, value-added services.

“The Georgia-China relationship has an excellent track record for trade, investment, tourism and education,” said Swenson. “We look forward to building on this great foundation to assist the state of Georgia in its international trade efforts in China.”