Governor of Georgia boosts Liverpool links

NATHAN Deal, Governor of the US state of Georgia is holding a series of trade meeting with business and investment chiefs in Liverpool this week.

The visit, arranged by UK Trade and Investment and the Foreign Office, hopes to develop economic ties and support growth in both countries.

Bosses from Peel Ports – owners of the Mersey Dock and Harbour and the Manchester Ship Canal – are also involved and will be meeting delegates from Georgia’s Savannah Port – the second-largest port on the eastern seaboard, which Governor Deal has targeted for investment.

Liverpool Vision, the city’s economic development body are showcasing recent developments in smart grid technology and the port infrastructure. Other meetings will take place with The Mersey Partnership and the University of Liverpool as well as a dinner hosted by regional UKTI chief Clive Drinkwater at Hard Day’s Night.

The city already has links with Georgia – the 12th-largest export state in the US – through the University of Liverpool, which is working with a number of institutions on research and education projects. Next month  a number of experts from Georgia will visit the University to attend an event on sustainable energy.

Governor Deal said:”The United Kingdom is, and will remain, a strong business partner for the state of Georgia. The ties that bind us grow stronger each year, benefiting both economies.

“In my first trip to the UK as Governor I hope to build on our firm foundation of friendship and trust to further opportunities that will create jobs and profitable investment opportunities.”

Clive Drinkwater added: “We are particularly pleased that the Governor has chosen to visit Liverpool on his first international trip.

“The focus of the visit is economic development and we see good prospects for expanding the city’s links with Georgia with increased trade and investment in both directions, as well as improved educational links.”