(November 05, 2004) GlobalAtlanta.com

Leaders of Georgia’s Fortune 500 companies are banding together with civic and educational leaders to implement the recommendations of Georgia China Future, a public-private initiative launched in 2003 by State Sen. Sam Zamarripa, D-Atlanta, with support from Deloitte & Touche LLP. The initiative studied business opportunities between China and Georgia.A new professional association, Georgia China Alliance, will hold its charter meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 10, at the 191 Club in Atlanta.

“The state of Georgia is in a great position to increase business with China,” Mr. Zamarripa told GlobalAtlanta.

According to Mr. Zamarripa, who is pursuing this effort as a partner in Atlanta-based Heritage Capital Advisors, China’s gross domestic product is expected to pass that of Japan’s by 2010 and rival that of the U.S. by 2025.

“We need to build on our existing relationships, create new ones, and really go after that increasing global market,” he said.

The alliance, initially comprising some 100 Georgia leaders, will be co-chaired by Mr. Zamarripa and Guy Budinscak, regional managing partner of Deloitte & Touche. After the charter meeting, membership will be opened up to others interested in pursuing the organization’s objectives, said Ann Warren, spokesperson for the alliance.

“Georgia China Alliance will work with companies here in Georgia with global ambitions to maximize their potential and ensure they are a part of this new business,” Mr. Budinscak said.

For more information, contact Ms. Warren at (404) 577-8900 ext. 224 or go to www.GeorgiaChina.com.