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Louisiana connects internationally at conference

Dec 19, 2016 / News

LAGCOE led the project, organizing participation in the exposition to support local companies in establishing or growing international business relationships. Louisiana Economic Development (LED) supported company participation by offsetting cost. LED also assisted with company recruitment, exhibit space design, and staffing the exhibit space at ADIPEC. Other participating organizations were Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) and University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The participating companies were Advance Products & Systems, GEODynamics, Inc. and Pneumatic and Hydraulic Company, LLC.

“This was LED’s first endeavor with this particular event and our first show in the UAE. We found our collaboration with LAGCOE, University of Louisiana at Lafayette and LEDA to be very positive as it opened doors to develop more relationships in the Middle East. Leveraging our combined experience and expertise was an effective way to utilize resources to support companies. At ADIPEC, LED was able to follow up on leads for pending foreign direct investment projects and pursue new lead development opportunities. LED welcomes the chance to attend ADIPEC in the future and expand the Louisiana exhibit space presence and build upon the foundations laid at the 2016 show,” commented Sheba Person, Senior International Trade Manager, LED International Commerce Division.

LEDA continues conversations with representatives from an international company with interest in locating in Acadiana while at ADIPEC.

Gregg Gothreaux, LEDA President & CEO said, “Partnering with LAGCOE presents LEDA with excellent opportunities to network with existing businesses and to connect with companies not located in the region for potential business development opportunities. Mr. Larry Lemarie, attending the show on behalf of LEDA, brought an additional layer of industry expertise to ADIPEC and his industry connections opened many doors leading up to and at the show. Not only is Lafayette the energy center of the southeastern U.S., Lafayette has the expertise and knowledge to service the global energy industry. Thanks to the efforts of LAGCOE, local businesses are able to explore those opportunities.”

University of Louisiana at Lafayette made progress in expanding their global presence for education of future leaders and collaborating in energy research while at ADIPEC 2016. Dr. Rose Honegger, Director of International Affairs, recruited prospective UL students at ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) high school and technical institute.

Collaborations have been initiated with a leading Abu Dhabi teaching and research institution affiliated with four major international oil companies. Additionally, Dr. Honegger’s engagement with UL alumni in UAE produced potential research collaboration with industry and facilitated connection of Louisiana companies with international business opportunities.

Mark E. Zappi, Ph.D., P.E., UL Dean of Engineering and Director of UL Energy Institute said, “The UL College of Engineering and the Energy Institute of Louisiana of UL are excited about the opportunities to expand collaboration between our two regions. We look forward to sharing our institutional resources to further energy education and the development of technology. It is through collaborative research and development that our energy industries can economically continue to access our petroleum reserves. We look forward to the expansion of our partnerships.”

In support of export growth, Louisiana small businesses can receive funding for eligible travel expense reimbursements through Small Business Administration’s STEP grant awarded to LED. For more information, please visit www.opportunitylouisiana.com/stepgrant.

“As a non-profit energy industry organization, LAGCOE is committed to furthering economic growth by fostering effective collaborations such as this one that will lead to global business development opportunities for our area and the energy companies based here,” said Angela Cring, LAGCOE Executive Director.

Claire Thom | LAGCOE Industry Relations Director