In trade, it's often easier to show higher growth rates with countries where little already exists. 

Mexico bucks that trend in its ties with Georgia. 

Already the No. 3 export market for the state, Georgia sold 17 percent more goods there in 2012 than the previous year. 

It makes sense, considering that Mexico has entered a period of stability and manufacturing strength, sparking more demand for machinery, an area where Georgia excels, said Fernando Hanhausen, managing director of Georgia's office in Mexico City. 

But the opportunity goes well ...