Relationships matter.

That was the takeaway from the Global Atlanta Consular Conversations OTP: Belgium, presented by Miller & Martin. Hosted by the Gwinnett Chamber and Partnership Gwinnett, more than 100 business and community leaders gathered to discuss the value of international partnerships and the role they play in driving economic growth. The conversation couldn’t have been more timely.

Belgium is one of Georgia’s strongest global partners. More than 50 Belgian companies have chosen to do business in our state, supporting more than 4,400 jobs, while trade between Georgia and Belgium exceeded $4 billion in 2024. Georgia is also home to more Belgian companies than any other state in the nation. Those numbers don’t happen by chance. They are the result of years of trust, collaboration, and a commitment to showing up for one another. And in Gwinnett, those relationships continue to deliver results.

With the recent announcement of UCB’s $2 billion investment in Gwinnett County, our community is now home to seven Belgian companies that will support more than 700 jobs once UCB’s new manufacturing facility is fully operational. It’s another example of how sustained international engagement translates into real economic opportunity. Belgian Consul General Katherine Raeymaekers reinforced that point, emphasizing the importance of building relationships that create lasting value for businesses, communities, and future generations. Panelists from CE+T, Aluvision, Barco Inc., and UCB expanded on that message, sharing insights on everything from choosing the right community and navigating today’s global trade environment to managing growth across international markets.

We also heard from Partnership Gwinnett Senior Vice President Kevin Carmichael, who reflected on the organization’s recent economic development mission to Belgium. His remarks affirmed that foreign direct investment is built over time through shared goals and an investment in relationships. With a philosophy like that, it’s no wonder that Partnership Gwinnett recently earned global accreditation from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for the first time in its 20-year history, joining approximately 100 accredited economic development organizations worldwide.

If international business matters to your business, we invite you to continue the conversation with us at the Gwinnett Chamber Global Chamber Mixer, presented by Northwestern Mutual, on November 3. It’s another opportunity to connect with business leaders and global stakeholders who are helping shape Gwinnett’s future.

Because in global business, relationships aren’t just part of the work; they are the work.