Gorbachev Promotes Trade Links Between Georgia and Russia

          Mikhail Gorbachev, former president of the Soviet Union, is seeking to introduce U.S. business representatives to appropriate provincial governors and other authorities in Russia, according to an interview with Georgia Public Television (GPTV) correspondent Susan Hoffman during Mr. Gorbachev’s visit to Atlanta last week.

          Mr. Gorbachev was here to accept the 2001 Delta Prize for Global Understanding that was presented to him at a banquet at the Ritz Carlton Buckhead by the University of Georgia (UGA) and Delta Air Lines for his recent peace and environmental efforts, including the work of his Green Cross International environmental foundation.

          During his visit, Mr. Gorbachev met with officials of AGCO, a global manufacturer of agricultural equipment in Duluth, and Atlanta-based GoldKist, the second-largest poultry producer in the U.S.

          In addition to agricultural equipment and poultry partnerships, Mr. Gorbachev said he wants to promote high tech joint ventures with Atlanta firms in Russia. He added that legislation is being drafted in Moscow that would protect U.S. investors in Russia in an effort to improve the investment climate.

          To learn more about Mr. Gorbachev’s visit, contact Ms. Hoffman at (404) 685-2469 or (404) 862-3640.