Georgian Embassy reaches out Texas businesses
A Georgian Embassy team comprised of Georgian Chargé d’Affaires Giorgi Tsikolia, consular officer Giorgi Archemashvili, economic counselor Levan Beridze, and honorary consul Janet Moore conducted a business trip to Houston, TX, on November 17–18, with the aim to develop the business partnership between Georgia and the state of Texas.
On the first day of the trip they met with the Houston Technology Center’s Director for International Acceleration Mr. Ruben Derderian, Station Houston CEO Mr. John Reale, Fannin Innovation Studio’s Managing Partner Mr. Atul Varadhachary, the Greater Houston Partnership Director for International Trade Mr. Josh Davis, and the Rice University’s Global Affairs’ Vice President Mr. David Vassar and Special Assistant for International Collaboration Mr. Sonny Lim.
Followed by meetings the next day with the Houston Port Authority Chief Operating Officer Mr. Tom Heidt, Vopak, terminal Manager Mr. Paul Kanters, and Mr. Rocco Valentino, Director of International Operations and Franchising at one of America’s leading dining, entertainment, gaming and hospitality groups — Landry’s Inc.
The Embassy team gave presentations on the business environment and opportunities in Georgia for the private sector and international trade organizations based in Texas, drawing the interest of local business hosts. All parties agreed to follow up with the meetings and possible trips to Georgia in order to enhance the business partnership between our two nations.