Switzerland - Georgia Department of Economic Development

GEORGIA – SWITZERLAND
Economic Development Connection
Government & Commerce
The Consulate General of Switzerland is located
in Atlanta, serving Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas,
Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina,
South Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and
the Cayman Islands. Mr. Claudio Leoncavallo
serves as Consul General.
The state of Georgia has had continuous
representation in Europe since 1973. Since that
time the office has assisted hundreds of
European firms locating in Georgia and Georgia
companies exporting to Europe. Ms. Antje
Abshoff serves as managing director.
The Southeast Chapter of the Swiss-American
Chamber of Commerce is located in Atlanta,
providing services and programs to promote the
development of Swiss-U.S. business relations. Mr.
Wendell Wolfenbarger O’Reilly serves as the
Chairman for the Southeast Chapter board, which
also covers the Carolinas and Florida.
The Trade Commission of Switzerland, Swiss
Business Hub USA helps small and medium-sized
U.S. companies do business in Switzerland. The
regional office in Atlanta is served by the Trade
Commissioner, Ms. Kimberly Corradi.
The University System of Georgia offers ten
study abroad programs to Switzerland. Students
can study economics, public policy, business
administration and marketing, and arthropod
diversity and ecology in the Swiss Alps.
In July 2012, Governor Deal led an economic
development mission to Switzerland and The
Netherlands. The delegation visited Zurich, Basel,
Bern and Amsterdam to meet with government
ministers and business leaders to promote
Georgia’s economy and expand export and
investment opportunities.
Trade Relationship
EXPORTS: In 2012, Georgia exports to
Switzerland exceeded $90 million. Switzerland is
the 15 th largest European export market for
Georgia.
Top exports from Georgia to Switzerland include
civilian aircraft engines and parts, medical and
surgical appliances, pharmaceutical products,
motor vehicles, chemical woodpulp and
telecommunications equipment.
Georgia leads the nation in the export of the
following goods to Switzerland: guaze and
bandages (1 st ), laminated textiles (1 st ), electric
generators (1 st ) and chemical woodpulp (2 nd ).
IMPORTS: In 2012, Georgia’s imports from
Switzerland totaled more than $368 million,
ranking 9 th among Georgia’s European importer
nations.
Major imports from Switzerland include medical
and surgical equipment, surveying instruments,
tooth brushes, conveyor belts and electrical
apparatus.

Capital Investment
There are 18 Georgia companies that have
operations in Switzerland, including:
AGCO Corporation
AJC International Inc.
CIBA Vision Corporation
Havells USA Inc.
Hooters of America Inc.
Infor Global Solutions
Innomed, Inc.
Interface, Inc.
Invesco Ltd.
Kawneer Company, Inc.
King & Spalding LLP
Kurt Salmon Associates (KSA)
NCR Corporation
Newell Rubbermaid Inc.
Novelis Inc.
Premiere Global Services, Inc.
The Coca-Cola Company
Travelport, LP
United Parcel Service
UPS Supply Chain Solutions
There are 140 Swiss facilities operating in
Georgia, of which 35 (25%) are manufacturing
locations. These Swiss-affiliated facilities
currently employ more than 6,100 Georgians.
A list can be found online at
www.georgiafacts.org.
Switzerland is an important investor in
Georgia, ranking 8 th among Georgia’s total
investors based on total employment and 7 th
based on total number of facilities.
Transportation
Delta Air Lines offers daily direct flights between
Atlanta and Zurich.
The Georgia Ports Authority (GPS) located in
Savannah operates a European office (based in
Norway) which covers Switzerland. Mr. Arthur
Rondan serves as the office manager.
About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic
Development (GDEcD) plans, manages and
mobilizes state resources to attract new business
investment to Georgia, drive the expansion of
existing industry and small business, locate new
markets for Georgia products, inspire tourists to
visit Georgia, and promote the state as a top
destination for arts events and film, music and
digital entertainment projects. Visit Georgia.org.
GDEcD’s Economic Development Representative in Europe
Ms. Antje Abshoff
Managing Director
State of Georgia – Europe
Im Amerika Haus, Karolinenplatz 3
80333 Munich – GERMANY
T: +49 (0) 89.517.027.40
aabshoff@georgia.org
*Information valid as of April 2013