Lake Charles, Lafayette team up for World Trade Conference

Two corridor cities – Lake Charles and Lafayette – are teaming up to offer the Gulf Coast Trade Alliance World Trade Conference on April 1-3 at L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort. The event originally was hosted by the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance and the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, but last week, Lafayette City-Parish President Joey Durel announced the Lafayette Consolidated Government, the International Center and the Lafayette Economic Development Authority will join in cosponsoring the conference. “This conference gives the entire southwest Louisiana business community an opportunity to come together, have an open dialogue, formulate strategies and solve mutual problems – all crucial activities in today’s economic climate,” Durel says. “We are happy to collaborate with Lake Charles and Mayor Randy Roach in this effort.” The World Trade Conference will focus on the resources and enterprises of the Gulf Coast states and their ability to compete in the global marketplace. Leading trade experts will discuss markets, logistics, transportation, service exports, Go Zone incentives and promoting products and services to global markets. Speakers from Belgium, Japan and Mexico will discuss doing business with their counties, and panelists from other nations will share insights on the role that foreign consulates play. For details, click here. The registration fee is $250 per person.