When doing business internationally, knowing the right people can be critical. This article is part of a series introducing GlobalAtlanta readers to the state of Georgia’s economic representatives in 10 countries. Click the links below to see short profiles and videos of those on the front lines of the state’s worldwide economic development.

Overview – Brazil – Canada – Chile – China – Germany – Israel – Japan – Korea – Mexico – United Kingdom

The Georgia office in Santiago, Chile, is helping companies attend the world’s largest mining industry trade show in Chile in April. 

Brian Wilson, the office’s managing director, said that mining is a growth sector for Georgia companies in Chile, since the South American country’s government announced in 2008 that it expects to invest $5 billion per year for the next five years, although such spending might be curbed as a result of the current global economic downturn. Some $500 million could be designated for mining equipment, however, so Georgia companies could see opportunities in that area, Mr. Wilson told GlobalAtlanta in an interview in 2008.

Georgia exported $140 million in goods and services to Chile in 2007, mainly in food processing and industrial machinery, chemicals, computers and telecommunications equipment and specialized paper products, he said.

Of the six Chilean companies operating in Georgia, three are in the forestry products sector, one is the largest exporter of nitrate fertilizers in the world, another is a chemical company in Savannah and another is a large food exporter. Mr. Wilson joined Georgia’s Chile office in 2005 after serving for five years as trade representative for other U.S. states and trade organizations in Chile.

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Overview – Brazil – Canada – Chile – China – Germany – Israel – Japan – Korea – Mexico – United Kingdom

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