Louisiana in the Spotlight for Success in Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Economic Resilience During High-Level International Delegation Visit

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), in coordination with the U.S. Department of State and the Organization of American States (OAS), announced that 52 high-level representatives from 20 countries will participate in the 14th Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. ACE Louisiana will take place on March 26-April 1, 2022.

ACE brings together decision-makers from the Western Hemisphere and beyond to explore global and regional partnerships and economic development opportunities to establish new global commercial relationships.

As the Western Hemisphere responds to and recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, ACE Louisiana delegates will visit more than 30 sites throughout the state to engage with innovation hubs, advanced technology centers, leading firms, educational and research institutions, exploring local, regional, urban, and rural economic development models. Delegates will share experiences and knowledge; build networks to enhance competitiveness in the Americas; promote sustainable and inclusive economic development; stabilize the supply chain; and increase trade and investment opportunities to boost coronavirus pandemic recovery efforts. 

“Louisiana is an incredible place to live, play and do business. ACE Louisiana will showcase these strengths to a global audience, as well as the laudable strategies being implemented there to build a resilient and diversified economy for the future,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “I had the pleasure of working closely with Governor John Bel Edwards on alternative energy and broadband access issues when I was Governor of Rhode Island, and I know that the ACE delegation will come away impressed and ready to do business in Louisiana as a result of the work that Louisiana Economic Development and all of the ACE Louisiana organizers and hosts are doing to grow the Pelican State’s innovation economy.”

“Collaboration is key to solving some of the world’s most pressing problems, and today that means recovering from the economic challenges brought on by the pandemic. ACE provides an important opportunity to highlight Louisiana’s work in recovering from disasters and driving innovation and entrepreneurship to develop a resilient economy that can withstand climate related disasters and economic shocks,” said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “Proudly, many of the sites to be visited on ACE Louisiana are EDA grantees and we look forward to showcasing the incredible work that the Department of Commerce and regional leaders are doing as we exchange knowledge and boost collaboration opportunities with our ACE delegates.”

“We support ACE because we believe that an inclusive, innovative, and connected private sector is a fundamental component for promoting competitive and inclusive economies in the Americas,” said Interim U.S. Permanent Representative to the OAS Bradley Freden. “Our joint efforts through ACE Louisiana will strengthen the private sector and promote regional partnerships with investment-friendly markets that will benefit all of us, thereby helping our countries recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic.” 

For more information about the ACE program, please visit the ACE website. For more information on ACE Louisiana, please click here.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.