US state opens center

Georgia yesterday announced it will set up a business advisory center in Beijing, the first in the Chinese capital by a US state, in a move to attract more trade and investment from China.

The center will introduce Georgia's opportunities in commerce and tourism to the world's fastest growing economy, said Sonny Perdue, governor of Georgia. He is leading a delegation of about 40 people that arrived in China on Monday aboard Delta Air Lines' inaugural non-stop daily flight from Atlanta to Shanghai.

The center will help Chinese companies find foreign direct investment opportunities in Georgia; assist Georgian companies find new business partners in China; and introduce Georgia's tourism destinations to Chinese travelers.