Governor leading business mission to China
Gov. Nathan Deal is leading a delegation of state officials and business leaders to China and Japan through Aug. 30.
The mission will visit Shanghai, Qingdao and Jinan in the People’s Republic of China as well as Tokyo.
Delegates are scheduled to meet with prominent members of government and corporate communities to explore business, trade and tourism opportunities.
China is the second-largest export destination for Georgia businesses, with more than $3.6 billion in exports annually. Georgia leads the United States in exports of carpets, poultry, aircraft and wood products to China, while Chinese facilities operating in Georgia employ nearly 400 workers.
For the second time this year, Effingham County has landed a significant economic development project.
Gov. Nathan Deal announced Thursday from Shanghai that Hubei Xingfa Chemicals Group, a leading phosphate and chemical products producer, will open its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing plant in Effingham County. The project reportedly will create 50 jobs in Effingham at its onset.
“It is a $4 billion company. They are a massive company,” said Dennis Webb, chairman of the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority.
“This will be their first manufacturing facility in the United States,” Webb added. “It has a huge potential for growth. Their business model is to expand, and not just here.”
The plant, to be located on 83 acres in Effingham County, will establish a production line to make phosphates. The company will export its products to North American markets through the nearby port of Savannah. The Effingham County facility is expected to begin hiring in 2014.
“We welcome Hubei Xingfa Chemicals Group to Georgia, the gateway to its North American markets,” said Deal. “Our outstanding workforce and logistics advantages were a strong selling point, and our meeting with the company today assured its leaders of our commitment to its success.”
Deal announced Xingfa’s investment following a meeting in Shanghai with Guozhang Li, chairman and chief executive officer of Xingfa Group. Deal is currently leading a business mission in China to explore investment, trade and tourism opportunities for the state of Georgia.
“The announcement by Governor Deal that Xingfa is going to locate its headquarters and other operations in our county is the result of great cooperation between the state of Georgia, Effingham County and Xingfa,” Webb said. “I am confident that this company will become a solid asset to Effingham County and the state. We truly welcome them.”