Delta will launch its new nonstop service from Atlanta to Shanghai next month, making it easier for people in China to do business, explore the Western hemisphere and visit loved ones. But beyond these benefits, why chose Atlanta over New York, LA or Washington? The answer: because China and Georgia are a perfect match.

There is ample common ground. For example, 12 years ago Atlanta hosted the Olympics and this year its China's turn. Both have enjoyed a decade of strong economic growth - China's boom is historic while Atlanta and its neighbors constitute the fastest-growing part of the US.

In other words, in Atlanta, China will find a successful, ambitious partner that wants to prove how much it values their connection. The relationship has been gaining momentum, especially in trade. China ranked as Georgia's second largest export destination last year with $1.6 billion in trade, up from $1.1 billion in 2006. More than half of the goods passing through the port at Savannah - the fastest-growing port in the US - come from China, amounting to $13 billion worth last year. When it comes to Chinese foreign direct investment in Georgia, SANY Heavy Industries and General Protecht have each set up operations in metro Atlanta, making them neighbors to corporate giants like Coca-Cola, Delta, CNN, Turner Broadcasting and UPS.

The inaugural direct flight from Atlanta to Shanghai is essentially a marriage proposal. Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue will be on that flight to kick off an official business mission to China during which he will open Georgia's 11th overseas international Economic Development office (and first in China) in Beijing.

"The new direct flight and the opening of the Georgia office in Beijing present a unique opportunity to greatly increase the amount of activity flowing between our state and one of the world's emerging economic powerhouses," Perdue said.

The mission is part of a concerted effort involving state agencies and private organizations with dedicated people who want to see a strong connection between Georgia and China.

Sponsored by the Georgia-China Alliance and NACA (the National Association of Chinese Americans), Feb 26 was Georgia's fourth annual "China Day". Chinese Consul General Qiao Hong flew in from Houston to speak in front of the state senate and house of representatives.

Georgia Senator Judson Hill, who introduced the Consul General to the state senate, summarized the goodwill that China Day and other initiatives are showing.

"I believe business is driven by friendships and friendships are created by opportunities like China Day. Last year I created an initiative to create sister-city relationships between Georgia and China," Hill said.

Logistically, Atlanta is a good place to do business. Land is cheap and the cost of living is low. In addition to the Savannah port, Atlanta is a serious presence on world flight maps. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport ranks as the busiest airport in the world as over 87 million people per year go through Atlanta, beating out even famed Chicago O'Hare.

Jorge Fernandez, vice-president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, summarized Atlanta's appeal as the jumping off point for Asian companies bound for the US or Latin America.

"The distribution channel between Savannah and Atlanta makes Atlanta one of the most important inland ports in the US. You can reach 80 percent of the US population in less than two hours (by plane) and less than two trucking days," Fernandez said.

(China Daily 03/29/2008 page10)