Tuesday, March 17, 2009 from 10-11 AM, at the Georgia State Capital CHINA'S PURCHASES OF GEORGIA PRODUCTS: A BRIGHT SPOT IN TOUGH TIMES

Presented by the Georgia China Alliance and the Georgia Agribusiness Council.

While Georgia is feeling the effects of a faltering national economy, one bright spot is the continued increase in sales of Georgia products to China. According to U.S. government statistics, Georgia's exports to China crossed the $2 billion mark in 2008, a 25% increase over 2007 and a near doubling in just two years. China now represents Georgia's second largest export market, behind only next-door neighbor Canada.

"While China's growth has slowed along with the world economy as a whole, China continues to be a relative leader in economic growth and therefore a vital Georgia trading partner," said John Ray, Chairman of the Georgia China Alliance. "Georgia's agribusinesses, manufacturing and service companies who do business in China have grown as China has grown, and that's a real and measurable benefit for the citizens of the state overall."

China's purchases of Georgia products come from a wide variety of industry sectors, including agriculture, paper products, waste and scrap, processed foods, and machinery and equipment. Processed foods exports to China, for example, now exceed $250 million dollars, an over twelve-fold increase since 2004.

"Georgia's agribusinesses, a vital component of our state's economy, have benefitted considerably from China's growth as major economic power," said Gary Black, President, Georgia Agribusiness Council. "As with any good business relationship, we want to express our personal appreciation to China for its continued and growing purchases of Georgia products."

To that end, the Georgia China Alliance is celebrating its 5th Annual China Day at the Georgia State Capitol on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 from 10-11 AM. Guest of honor, the Honorable Madam Qiao Hong-the Consul General of the PRC in Houston as well as various state legislators, Chinese government delegations, and distinguished guests will all be in attendance for the ceremony.

China Day is an annual state affair open to the public held to promote and recognize the trade and business between the State of Georgia and China. To our knowledge, Georgia is the only state to hold such an event. China Day will include resolutions from the Georgia State Senate and House of Representatives sponsored by Senator Judson Hill and Rep. Charlice Byrd. Opportunities are available to meet the guests and to experience the passing of resolutions and the daily activities of the Capitol.

Additionally this year, the Georgia China Alliance and the Georgia Agribusiness Council will host a private dinner at 6:00PM for the guest of honor and other notable guests. This dinner will honor the State of Georgia and China's growing and vibrant economic relationship, and represent a formal "thank you" for China's business with Georgia.

ABOUT US: The Georgia-China Alliance (GCA) represents the state's broadest cross-section of individuals and organizations seeking to improve business, trade, and investment ties between the State of Georgia and China. It is the only organization statewide that is exclusively devoted to promoting the business-to- business connection between the State Of Georgia and China. www.georgiachina. com

The Georgia Agribusiness Council is the organization which provides a forum for the entire agricultural industry to share views, develop understanding and work on issues of common concern. Its mission is "To Advance the Business of Agriculture and Promote Environmental Stewardship to Enhance the Quality of Life for All Georgians." www.ga-agribusiness .org

Event Details:
Event: "GCA's 5th Annual China Day at the State Capitol"
Date: Tuesday, March 17th, 2009
Time: 10:00-11:00 AM
Location: Senate Mezzanine at the State Capitol Located between the 3rd and 4th floor in the Capitol
Cost: FREE

For questions, contact Nikki Yu at

nikki.yu@georgiachina.com.