November 4-7, World Trade Center Savannah (WTCSav) led a delegation of businesses from the Coastal Georgia region to Southeast Ireland to explore business development and trade opportunities as part of the Wex-Sav TradeBridge program. Representatives from Georgia Southern University, Ghost Coast Distillery, Savannah Bee Company and Wet Willie’s traveled to Wexford County, Ireland in the next step of the TradeBridge initiative.

“These Georgia companies found a warm reception and Irish businesses motivated to pursue mutually beneficial business,” remarked Trey Rossiter, TradeBridge Business and Trade Development Advisor. “The commitment to economic development from both regions is beginning to bear fruit in the deals that are underway as a result of this trade mission and last month’s inbound mission from County Wexford to Savannah.”

The participating companies gained a better understanding of the Irish markets and in some cases, a pathway to Europe through Ireland. The potential suppliers, customers, investors and partner companies were individually matched to ensure a high likelihood for compatibility and success. Actual sales were closed and distribution or partnership deals were made. Every participating business has qualified leads they are working to advance.

Largely spurred by the efforts of Dr. Howard Keeley, Director of The Center for Irish Research and Teaching at Georgia Southern University, connection with Wexford over the last 3-5 years has fostered a deeper understanding of the substantial historical links as well as the current economic opportunities between the regions.

As a result, the TradeBridge program was announced only 9 months ago in March 2018 with the overall goal of developing a trade corridor between the Savannah region and Wexford County, Ireland and advancing the long-standing relationship between the areas.

During the recent trade and business development mission, the case for “Why Savannah?” was presented to almost 50 Irish business leaders and influencers. Companies in Ireland were invited to apply to join the 2019 Savannah Gateway Regional Showcase delegation in Savannah, GA, April 1-4, 2019.

Every year WTCSav, in partnership with Georgia Power, welcomes an international business delegation to the coastal Georgia Region during the spring. This program’s goal is consistent with TradeBridge — to further develop trade opportunities, increase foreign-direct investment opportunities and help the coastal Georgia regional businesses expand internationally.
This year, we are capitalizing on the work of TradeBridge to invite successful Irish companies with strong interest in establishing a physical presence in the Coastal Georgia region to apply at http://savannahgatewayshowcase.com/.

Companies in Coastal Georgia will have the opportunity to meet with the delegates in April representing a range of industry sectors for prearranged targeted business meetings. More information about the group will be available in the coming months. Companies located in Coastal Georgia with interest in expanding their business to and through Ireland, should contact World Trade Center Savannah at info@wtcsavannah.org or by calling 912.447.9707