The Gwinnett Chamber, in partnership with Global Atlanta and Partnership Gwinnett, recently hosted Consular Conversations OTP, an event focused on the county’s international business connections. The event featured Rosaline Kwan, Consul General of Canada in Atlanta, who spoke about the ongoing relationship between Canada and Georgia.
Kevin Carmichael, Senior Vice President of Partnership Gwinnett, opened the event by highlighting the importance of global trade and investment for local growth. “Canada represents one of Georgia’s largest trading partners, and Gwinnett’s business community is at the heart of that connection,” Carmichael said.
He referenced a recent Strategic Leadership Visit to Montreal where Gwinnett leaders studied best practices in infrastructure and innovation. The visit included discussions on AI-driven industries and public transit solutions such as Montreal’s REM system.
During a fireside chat led by Trevor Williams, CEO of Global Atlanta, Kwan discussed her diplomatic experience and addressed outcomes from the recent USMCA meeting in New Brunswick. She stated that cooperation among North American countries remains strong despite changing global trade conditions. “The Canada–U.S. relationship remains one of the most stable and mutually beneficial in the world, grounded in shared values, deep economic ties, and a joint commitment to innovation and inclusion,” Kwan said.
Gwinnett County has more than 500 international businesses and an annual growth rate of 1.5 percent. Residents speak over 100 languages, reflecting its diverse workforce. Kwan emphasized that this diversity is an asset for attracting foreign investment and building international partnerships.
She added that these strengths align with the Chamber’s goal to position Gwinnett as a globally connected community focused on inclusion and collaboration.
Consular Conversations OTP aims to connect local executives with international leaders who influence trade and investment worldwide. The event underscored how relationships formed through dialogue contribute to progress beyond policy agreements.
The Chamber encouraged participation in future events such as the upcoming Global Chamber Mixer at Gas South District. Registration information can be found at https://www.gwinnettchamber.org/global-chamber-mixer/.
