Governor Brian P. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp will lead a delegation to Brazil and Argentina this week, aiming to boost economic development opportunities for Georgia. Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and members of the Georgia Department of Economic Development are joining the mission, which focuses on strengthening partnerships that benefit Georgia’s industries.
During their time in Argentina, General Richard “Dwayne” Wilson will accompany the group as they meet with members of the Georgia National Guard and Argentinian counterparts through the Department of Defense State Partnership Program.
Governor Kemp highlighted the impact of South American investment in Georgia over recent years. “Companies from South America have invested over $160 million in Georgia over the last six years, with the bulk of investments and jobs coming from countries where Georgia is represented,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Since I took office, businesses that operate in Brazil have created over a thousand jobs for Georgians, with many investments strengthening established sectors like our No. 1 industry of agriculture. We’re always eager to grow those pipelines of opportunity so more Georgians in all parts of the state can benefit. Likewise, we look forward to thanking the brave men and women of the Georgia Guard and their partners in Argentina who are supporting our shared security goals.”
The agenda includes meetings with firms already operating or building facilities in Georgia, along with diplomatic engagements. The visit also marks the 30th anniversary of Georgia’s economic office in Brazil. According to state data, exports from Georgia to Brazil reached $748 million in 2024, while exports to Argentina totaled $120 million.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper emphasized trade’s importance for farmers: “I’m proud to join Governor Kemp, Commissioner Wilson, and other state leaders on this important trade mission to South America, and I look forward to working with our partners in Brazil and Argentina to continue to build upon our already strong relationship,” said Harper. “The success of Georgia’s #1 industry depends on our farmers’ ability to get their goods to market, and leveraging Georgia’s port system and reducing trade barriers with countries around the globe are vital components of ensuring the continued success of Georgia agriculture and our state as a whole.”
GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson noted ongoing relationships between Georgia and its South American partners: “This year is the 30th anniversary of Georgia’s representation in Brazil, an incredible milestone for one of the state’s top 20 trade partners and proof of Georgia’s lasting partnerships in international markets,” said Wilson. “Through our ports and collaborations such as the Delta Air Lines-LATAM partnership, Georgia’s connectivity to South America means opportunity. Brazil and Argentina are home to some of the largest agriculture and infrastructure companies in South America, aligning with Georgia’s strong agribusiness and food and beverage industries as well as the state’s continued growth and investments in infrastructure development.”
Brazil has maintained consular ties with Georgia since 1899; continuous representation by the state began there in 1995. Argentina also established a consular presence that same year; today, a representative based in Chile serves both Chilean and Argentinian markets.
The itinerary features several companies tied closely to economic activity between these regions:
– JBS supports about 9,000 jobs across Georgia through its subsidiary Pilgrim’s. In 2025, Pilgrim’s announced a $400 million investment for a new facility expected to employ 630 people.
– Taurus moved its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing operations to Bainbridge in 2019—an investment exceeding $22 million.
– CSN (Brazilian National Steel Company) is among Brazil’s major steel producers involved in infrastructure support.
– Embraer operates an aircraft maintenance facility at Middle Georgia Regional Airport.
– GranBio runs its U.S.-based pilot plant through AVAPCO LLC in Thomaston.
– AGCO has significant operations both within Georgia—where it is headquartered—and across Brazil and Argentina.
– Guidoni Group invested roughly $100 million into its McRae facility.
– BERSA operates a production site in Cartersville after being founded originally in Argentina.
