Georgia exporters now have an easy way to increase their presence in the global marketplace and find trade partners throughout the world. By listing their companies and products or services in the online Georgia Export Directory, companies in the state can heighten their global visibility and attract potential customers, buyers and/or representatives. This opportunity is offered through the Georgia Department of Economic Development and Convergent Commerce Group, publisher of the directory.

"Growing business through trade is good for the state's economy, and we are thrilled to launch this great new opportunity for our exporters," said Kathe Falls, director of International Trade for GDEcD. "Our hope is that the directory will not only help increase Georgia's volume of exports, but encourage more Georgia companies to contact our staff of experts to help them achieve the degree of success they're seeking."

International buyers and end-users also will benefit from this new tool. The directory enables interested parties to search for Georgia-based products or services by industry category, keyword, geographic markets and company name. Georgia-based export service providers can also be listed in the directory, so that Georgia companies engaged or interested in international trade can search for service providers to assist them.

The directory is a tool not only for small business, but for medium and large-sized ones as well. Qualified Georgia companies of all sizes are invited to apply online at georgiaexportdirectory.com, in order to register their products or services for free or to upgrade, for a fee, with CCG for a more in-depth listing in order to make a bigger impact. There are 544 companies registered on the site to date.

Potential or existing Georgia exporters will also find information links on the site that will provide them with information about international trade missions, trade shows and other events that promote trade with Georgia companies. The site will also connect them with professionals on GDEcD's trade staff who can provide guidance, free of charge, to help Georgia companies expand their international sales and markets.

Georgia ranks as the nation's 12th leading U.S. state in dollar value of exports. In 2011, the state recorded its highest-ever total for the value of goods exported during a single year: $34.7 billion, up 20 percent, from $28.9 billion in 2010.