Governor Brian P. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp will lead a state delegation on an economic development mission to Brazil and Argentina this week. The trip aims to strengthen business ties that benefit Georgia workers, according to an announcement from the Governor’s office. Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper will participate in the mission, representing Georgia’s agriculture sector. Members of the Georgia Department of Economic Development are also part of the delegation.
The itinerary includes meetings with companies operating or building facilities in Georgia, as well as diplomatic events and bilateral relationship-building sessions. The group will also mark the 30th anniversary of Georgia’s economic office in Brazil.
“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.”
Georgia officials will be joined by General Richard “Dwayne” Wilson during meetings with members of the Georgia National Guard and their Argentinian counterparts under the Department of Defense State Partnership Program.
“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 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.”
Pat Wilson, Commissioner for the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), commented on three decades of work: “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 has maintained consular relations with Georgia since 1899; continuous representation began in 1995. In 2024 alone, exports from Georgia to Brazil reached $748 million. Similarly, Argentina has had a consular presence since 1899; currently, Chile-based representatives cover Argentina for state business purposes. Exports from Georgia to Argentina totaled $120 million last year.
Key stops include visits or engagements related to JBS—which through its Pilgrim’s subsidiary supports about 9,000 jobs statewide—and Pilgrim’s recent announcement regarding a new $400 million prepared foods facility expected to create over 600 jobs when operational. Taurus moved its U.S. headquarters to Bainbridge in 2019—an investment resulting in more than 350 jobs—while CSN (Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional) supports infrastructure development through diversified operations.
Other significant links include Embraer Aircraft Maintenance Services’ facility at Middle Georgia Regional Airport; GranBio’s research center based out of Thomaston; AGCO’s headquarters presence in-state coupled with multiple sites across both Brazil and Argentina; Guidoni Group’s approximately $100 million investment at its McRae facility; as well as BERSA—a firearms manufacturer established in Argentina—operating a plant in Cartersville.
