Georgia House of Representatives
Public Information Office
Room 505, Legislative Office Building
Atlanta, GA 30334
404-656-5082 1-800-282-5800

Lawmakers Updated on Efforts to Make Atlanta Home of FTAA

Atlanta – Members of the House and Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee received an update today on the effort to bring the headquarters of the FTAA (Free Trade Area of the Americas ) to Atlanta . The FTAA is responsible for negotiating trade agreements between countries in the Western Hemisphere and has the potential of creating thousands of jobs. Atlanta is one of four cities competing for the distinguished destination. Miami , Florida , Panama City, Panama and Port of Spain , Trinidad are also in contention.

Jose Ignoacio Gonzalas of Hemisphere Inc., the public-private company formed to spearhead the effort, said a four pronged strategy is being used to lure the headquarters that includes bringing dignitaries to Atlanta to experience the city, visiting all 34 countries and convincing decision makers to vote for Atlanta, building support among Georgia and Southeastern delegations and accelerating media attention. He also said Atlanta has a great deal to offer such as Hartsfield International Airport, a superior interstate and port system, top notch universities and a great business climate that includes the 3 rd largest number of fortune 500 company headquarters in the U.S.

According to Kathe Falls, Director of the International Trade Division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the state has 252,650 international export related jobs and ranks 14 th in the country in exported goods. She also said the FTAA could yield 16,000 new jobs in Georgia by 2015 and would have an estimated economic impact of $500 million per year which is comparable to hosting two Super Bowls.

“This is a very important effort being waged to land the FTAA,” said Representative Pedro Marin (D-Norcross), a committee member and one of two Hispanic legislators in the house. “I appreciate all of the hard work that has gone into this initiative that could create thousands of jobs in Georgia .”

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For further information please contact Rep. Marin at 404-656-0314.