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 

For the past eight years, Antje Abshoff has been the manager of Georgia’s European office in Munich, Germany, after moving the office from Brussels, Belgium, in 2001.

She told GlobalAtlanta in a recent interview that the strength of the euro currency relative to the U.S. dollar over the past two years has drawn European investment to Georgia. Various European companies have recently grown their presence in Georgia from sales centers to full-fledged manufacturing facilities, she noted.

German automotive suppliers, aerospace, information technology and services firms have also located in the state, she said, adding that her office has had inquiries from life sciences and biofuels firms looking to find Georgia partners.

The weak dollar has also made Georgia products attractive to European buyers in recent years, although that trend is beginning to reverse in 2009 amid the global economic recession.

Ms. Abshoff’s office can assist Georgia companies to attend trade shows in Germany, including an upcoming food processing technology trade show in Cologne, Germany, Mar. 10-13.

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

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