Georgia's Governor Brian P. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp are currently spearheading an economic mission in Panama, with a key focus on the country's logistic infrastructures such as the Panama Canal and its supply chain operations. Their entourage includes representatives from the Georgia Ports Authority and the Georgia Department Department of Economic Development, as reported by the official announcement from the Governor's office.
Driving more than 650,000 jobs, highlighted by Governor Kemp, Georgia's ports play a critical role in the state's growing economy. "The Panama Canal connects shipping routes with some of Georgia’s top business partners to Savannah and Brunswick, and we look forward to learning more about their operations as we continue to innovate and invest in our infrastructure at home," Governor Brian Kemp told the press release. With connections to Panama, Georgia's ports have been identified as a significant conduit for global trade, necessitating a trip seeming essential for state officials to visit Panama.
Georgia's spot as the sixth in the United States for the dollar value of trade, churning over $198.7 billion in trade with 222 different countries and territories in 2024, reaffirms the robustness of its trade capabilities. The state benefits largely from the Port of Savannah and Brunswick's prominence as logistical gateways. With the Port of Savannah boasting 35 weekly ship calls and schedules for a daily average of 14,000 truck gate moves, and the Port of Brunswick being recognized for its role in automotive and machinery logistics, Georgia has made significant infrastructure investments, including a new $100 million berth.
“Connectivity drives business, and the Panama Canal is a vital link in Georgia’s global network,” according to Pat Wilson, Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner. Taking the strong flow of goods between Panama and Georgia's ports, they are fuel for investment that supports jobs and keeps Georgia on the competitive edge, as noted by the Governor's office.
