Georgia yesterday announced it will set up a business advisory center in Beijing, the first in the Chinese capital by a US state, in a move to attract more trade and investment from China.

The center will introduce Georgia's opportunities in commerce and tourism to the world's fastest growing economy, said Sonny Perdue, governor of Georgia. He is leading a delegation of about 40 people that arrived in China on Monday aboard Delta Air Lines' inaugural non-stop daily flight from Atlanta to Shanghai.

The center will help Chinese companies find foreign direct investment opportunities in Georgia; assist Georgian companies find new business partners in China; and introduce Georgia's tourism destinations to Chinese travelers.

The business advisory center is the 11th international office of the US state.

By setting up the center, "we can come to China and introduce our business opportunities to Chinese people face-to-face", Perdue said.

As one of the fastest growing economies in the US, Georgia expects to attract more trade and investment from China with its container port, good transportation network and highly efficient labor.

Several Chinese companies have recognized the benefits Georgia offers and have set up operations there. Since 2005, China has jumped from sixth to second in rank as a trade partner for Georgia.

Source:China Daily