IRVIN MAYFIELD TO SPEAK ON GLOBAL CULTURAL PROMOTION

Irvin Mayfield is the latest in a long line of New Orleans renowned trumpeters. Born in New Orleans in 1977, Mayfield has quickly established himself as one of the most HERALDED and recorded jazz musicians of his generation. His music, which draws from all aspects of New Orleans' life and culture, re-imagines unique New Orleans styles and blends them into an authentic 21st-century New Orleans sound. Mayfield founded the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Inc., the only major jazz performance institution of its kind in the city, in 2002. In September 2003 Mayfield was unanimously appointed to the post of Cultural Ambassador for the City of New Orleans. To register for the July 17 luncheon program, click here or call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222.

WTC TO HOST EURASIAN OIL PIPELINE DELEGATION

The mission is part of the Special American Business Internship Training (SABIT) Oil Pipelines Program coordinated by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

In this instance, the SABIT Oil Pipelines Program is designed to train 18 mid-to senior-level executives from the Eurasian energy transportation sector. These delegates represent the upper echelon of oil transportation managers and engineers from Eurasia, where the industry is currently undergoing a period of transition and extraordinary growth. The program will introduce the Eurasian visitors to the status and trends of the U.S. oil transportation industry and current themes in oil pipeline safety, construction, and maintenance.

By meeting the SABIT group, U.S. companies will build relationships with leaders of the oil transportation sector in Eurasia. Through these valuable contacts, Louisiana companies can explore commercial opportunities and partnerships in the region. To obtain additional information on the mission members or to register on-line for the July 31 luncheon, click here, or call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222.

EXPORT-IMPORT LUNCHEON WORKSHOP ON AUGUST 2

SEMINAR ON NORTHEAST CHINA OPPORTUNITIES

This seminar program offers an outstanding opportunity to learn about what is taking place economically and commercially in one of China’s fastest growing regions, which has a population of over 107 million. Known as the “Industrial Heart of China” for its heavy industry, the region has vast reserves of natural resources and serves as a major agricultural area for corn, wheat, and milk production. Northeast China also has been enjoying rapid economic growth with its GDP hitting US $246 billion (+13%) and accounting for 8.4% of China’s GDP in 2006. This has resulted from the central government’s revitalization efforts involving corporate restructurings, diversification of the economic base, and the creation of special economic incentives. The city of Dalian has become a key shipping hub, while the city of Shenyang will host selected Olympic events in 2008.

Seminar topics include recent economic trends, legal points, and social issues in China’s three northeast provinces of Liaoning, Heilongjiang, and Jilin. Particular focus will be on specific trade and investment opportunities for Louisiana companies, as well as useful tips on entry strategies and understanding the local business culture.

To register for the August 3 luncheon seminar, click here or call the WTC at (504) 529-1601, ext. 222.

EXPORT-IMPORT SEMINAR SERIES TO BE HELD AUGUST 7-16

WORLD CULTURAL ECONOMIC FORUM AUGUST 16-26

The World Cultural Economic Forum and partnering events will occur statewide from August 16-26, 2007.

“In Louisiana, culture means business, and there are many cultures around the world that witness similar economic benefit from cultural industries,” said Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu. “There are 144,000 jobs in Louisiana alone that are driven by our cultural economy.”

As a unique part of the World Cultural Economic Forum, a series of events, programs, exhibitions, workshops and performances will be held across the state to demonstrate the value of culture and shine the light on Louisiana’s multi-faceted cultural industries. There are statewide events occurring during the week of the forum that are being presented in partnership with the World Cultural Economic Forum. Some include, the Floodwall Exhibit in Baton Rouge, Eat Lafayette in Lafayette, the hosting of Pirates of Penzance in Monroe, Thursday Night Trolley in Shreveport, and Carnaval Latino in New Orleans. In future years the Forum is expected to expand and attract cultural ambassadors, educators, and arts and cultural leaders from around the world.

The Forum builds on the success of three previous Louisiana Cultural Economy Summits convened by the Lt. Governor’s office and the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.

The World Cultural Economic Forum is modeled after the World Economic Forum based in Geneva, Switzerland, which is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders in partnerships to shape global, regional, and industry agendas.

Participating in the June 19 announcement were Jana Napoli, Floodwall Exhibit artist; State Senator Lydia Jackson of Shreveport; Tommy Usrey, President and CEO, Northeast Louisiana Arts Council; Gerald Breaux, Executive Director, Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission; Derek Gordon, CEO, Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge; Corrado Giacona, Chairman, World Trade Center International Business Committee; and Romi Gonzales, Attorney and Hispanic community leader, along with state tourism officials.

WORLD TRADE CENTERS TO MEET IN NEW ORLEANS

“We are excited about this opportunity to showcase New Orleans and Louisiana to the world at large,” said WTC President J. Dwight LeBlanc, Jr. “I encourage our companies to take full advantage of this truly unique opportunity to meet international business men and women from many countries and to tap into the global market for new business.”

Founded in 1943 and 1945 as International House and International Trade, respectively, WTC New Orleans was the first of what are today nearly 300 WTCs in 85 countries. The WTCA’s General Assembly is the most important event on the Association’s annual calendar. It is the one time each year when the entire membership is invited to come together with business delegates for four days of meetings, business appointments, and tours. In 2005 the Assembly was held in Shanghai, China, and in 2006 in Istanbul, Turkey.

In a recent letter of invitation to all World Trade Centers, WTCA President Guy Tozzoli stated that:

This year’s General Assembly is certain to be a memorable one. First of all, New Orleans is a fabulous city. Its diverse heritages are blended beautifully in its architecture, food, music, art, history and traditions - making it unique among the great cities of the world. As we all know, New Orleans and other cities along the U.S. Gulf Coast were devastated in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina. With extensive support from public and private groups around the world, New Orleans went to work immediately on its recovery. Now, although much remains to be done, the city is fully open for business and tourists. The WTCA Board of Directors and all members of our WTCA family are proud to support New Orleans’ recovery by holding our 2007 General Assembly there.

The General Assembly offers an exciting program of speakers, panelists, networking opportunities, and cultural events. Matchmaking sessions between the worldwide delegates and Louisiana companies will focus on four categories:

• Construction / Building Materials / Environmental

• Real Estate Development • Agriculture / Food / Seafood

• Transportation / Logistics

Details can be obtained on the WTC New Orleans website at www.wtcno.org or by calling 529-1601, ext. 234.

2007 LOUISIANA INTERNATIONAL TRADE DIRECTORY AVAILABLE

WTC COMPILING DIRECTORY OF NEW LOUISIANA PROJECTS

Louisiana companies that would like to be included at no charge in this new Directory of Louisiana Projects Under Development, which will be posted on the WTC website soon, should complete the online form available at www.wtcno.org.

The WTC has continued to receive numerous business delegations, individual visitors, and inquiries from many companies in other countries regarding trade and investment opportunities, especially for South Louisiana as part of the rebuilding process. Student interns working with the WTC’s 1st Stop for International Business Services office, have already assembled a wide variety of databases, contacts, reports and other information to assist these companies ( www.wtcno.org/1ststop ). These include a new Louisiana Construction Directory, Louisiana Oil & Gas Directory, and a new Louisiana Trade Associations Directory.

FIGULY NAMED INTERNATIONAL SPECIALIST AT CAPITAL ONE

APEC NATURAL GAS WORKSHOP IN CHINA

INTERNATIONAL SOURCING FAIR IN SHANGHAI

JETRO BIZMATCH EVENT TO BE HELD IN TOKYO

July 17 is the deadline for area ICT companies to apply for complimentary one-on-one, pre-arranged business meetings from October 2-4 with leading Japanese technology firms in conjunction with CEATEC. For registration information and forms, go to www.jetro.org/ceatec2007 and visit www.ceatec.com for background on Asia’s largest annual technology and electronics exhibition.

U.S. companies in the ICT industry with a strategy for entry into the Japanese market or searching for a Japanese business partner are encouraged to apply. Complimentary entrance to CEATEC and attendance at seminars and a networking reception are included for those with confirmed B2B meetings. Individual companies are responsible for their own travel arrangements, costs and accommodations. Last year, CEATEC attracted 200,000 visitors and the BizMatch component featured 233 meetings held for 28 companies with 88 Japanese businesses and organizations.

The Japan External Trade Organization, founded in 1958, is headquartered in Tokyo and has 73 overseas branches in 55 countries with 38 offices in Japan. JETRO-Houston, established in 1969, is one of six U.S. offices and has jurisdiction over the five-state U.S. south central region of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas. Additional information on Bizmatch is available by contacting Keith_Sanders@jetro.go.jp or (713) 654-5258.

AACCLA MEETING FEATURES FORECAST ON LATIN AMERICA

The conference offers outstanding insights for companies focused on Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as access to well-known leaders in business and government. For four decades, the “Forecast” conference has brought together a “who’s who” of business in the Americas. Representing 23 American Chambers of Commerce in 21 Latin American and Caribbean nations, AACCLA's 20,000 member companies manage over 80 percent of all U.S. investment in the region. Acting in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce - the world's largest business federation - AACCLA has become the premier advocate for U.S. business in the Americas.

For more information about the conference, registration and hotel information, please visit www.AACCLA.org or contact Maria Medrano at mmedrano@aaccla.org or (202) 463- 5384.