The Gwinnett Chamber, in partnership with Global Atlanta and Partnership Gwinnett, recently hosted the Consular Conversations OTP event featuring Rosaline Kwan, Consul General of Canada in Atlanta. The event was presented by Miller Martin and focused on the impact of global partnerships on local economic growth.
Kevin Carmichael, Senior Vice President of Partnership Gwinnett, opened the event by highlighting the importance of relationships and readiness in global trade. “Canada represents one of Georgia’s largest trading partners, and Gwinnett’s business community is at the heart of that connection,” Carmichael said.
He referenced a recent Strategic Leadership Visit to Montreal by Gwinnett leaders. During this visit, they examined best practices in infrastructure and innovation, including AI-driven industries and public transit solutions like Montreal’s REM system. The visit underscored the need for communities to operate globally to remain competitive.
Trevor Williams, CEO of Global Atlanta, led a discussion with Kwan about her diplomatic career and experiences representing Canadian interests across the Southeastern United States. Kwan shared insights from the recent USMCA meeting in New Brunswick where North American leaders reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation amid changing trade conditions. She stated that “the Canada–U.S. relationship remains one of the most stable and mutually beneficial in the world, grounded in shared values, deep economic ties, and a joint commitment to innovation and inclusion.”
Gwinnett County is home to more than 500 international businesses and has a workforce that speaks over 100 languages. With an annual growth rate of 1.5%, its diverse population is seen as an asset for attracting foreign investment.
Kwan noted that this diversity strengthens Gwinnett’s position as a hub for international business partnerships. Her views were consistent with the Chamber’s goal to make Gwinnett a globally connected community focused on inclusion and collaboration.
Consular Conversations OTP serves as a networking platform connecting local executives with international leaders involved in trade and investment decisions worldwide.
The Chamber also announced an upcoming Global Chamber Mixer at Gas South District where participants can engage with bilateral chamber partners and sample food from various international restaurants. Registration information is available at GwinnettChamber.org/global-chamber-mixer.
