The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) has selected Entrepreneurs International as the state’s newest international trade representative, covering both Mexico and Colombia. Georgia is the first U.S. state to have representation in Colombia.

“Strengthening our international trade representation is crucial to economic development in Georgia,” said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr. “Being the only U.S. state with representation in Colombia, Georgia is taking the lead in the global marketplace.”

Colombia joins GDEcD’s efforts in Latin America, which already includes Mexico, Chile and Brazil. Mexico is one of Georgia’s top 10 largest trading partners and Georgia has had continuous representation in Mexico since 1993, with a strong focus on export promotion. In addition, Colombia becomes the 11th strategic international market providing economic development services to Georgia, joining Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Europe, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico and the United Kingdom and Ireland.

“Due to the fact that Entrepreneurs International already has representatives in both Mexico and Colombia, we can now offer Georgians export assistance in a new market: Colombia,” said Kathe Falls, Division Director, International Trade, GDEcD. “In 2012, Georgia ranked as the nation’s 12th largest exporting state based on dollar value of exports and additional international representation will help move Georgia’s export ranking forward.”

Entrepreneurs International, a global consulting firm, has partner affiliations in 45 countries. Juan Carlos López Gutiérrez, CEO of Entrepreneurs International, will serve as Managing Director for both markets.

“The eagerness from Georgia companies to attend trade shows and events in Colombia is a good sign that the Colombian market is attractive to Georgia-based business,” said López. “Georgia exported an average of $255 million in goods to Colombia from 2008-2010 and with trade barriers being eliminated, that number will grow larger and faster.”

Exports create twice as many jobs as domestic trade. For every job created in making a product, another is created in getting the product to an international market. In 2012, Georgia had a record-breaking export value of $35.9 billion and 176,843 created or retained jobs. As of June 2012, more than 9,000 companies exported from Georgia.