Northshore Conifer posted on April 27, 2010 18:16
Honduran President Porfirio Lobo Sosa Tours the GNO Region
This past weekend, Greater New Orleans, Inc. hosted President Porfirio Lobo Sosa of Honduras and his delegation for a tour of the region, intended to strengthen long-standing economic and cultural ties between New Orleans and Honduras. The foremost goal of the visit was to establish a sustainable dialogue with the new Honduran leadership, as we continue to develop relationships with Latin American countries and build on capabilities in North-South commerce and trade.
"Greater New Orleans and Honduras have inextricably linked economic, cultural and social histories. As both New Orleans and Honduras have risen to meet and transcend great challenges, we are thrilled to welcome President Lobo so that we can discuss how we will partner into the future," says Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. "With over 120,000 Hondurans in the region, and multiple business and cultural ties, New Orleans is a natural friend of Honduras. We look forward to working together on areas of mutual interest and expertise."
Over the course of three days, the delegation was introduced to key industry executives and economic development officials and participated in roundtable discussions on issues relevant to both constituencies. From healthcare and higher education to water management and emergency preparedness to disease prevention and international trade, the conversations encouraged an exchange of best practices between Honduras and New Orleans.
"New Orleans and Honduras have been linked throughout the decades, yet the ties that bind us are growing even stronger. The visit this past weekend by His Excellency Porfirio Lobo has set in motion a greater commitment to our ongoing partnership in trade and commerce," says Arnie Fielkow, President of the New Orleans City Council. "We've discussed ways to explore projects that will benefit higher education and health care in both nations. And, we've agreed to pour a renewed sense of energy into our sister-city relationship with the capital city of Tegucigalpa, as well as extend it to the entire country of Honduras."
New Orleans' relationship with Honduras was integral in the development of some of our successful companies and strength industries - including the medical tourism that helped build Ochsner Foundation and the trade via the Standard and United Fruit Companies that formed the basis of our early import economy. Regional business leaders and economic development organizations agree that reinforcing our affiliation with Honduras is a priority in our mission to promote economic and cultural exchange between Greater New Orleans and Latin American countries.
"New Orleans based Pan-American Life Insurance Group's heritage reflects deep roots with Honduras and a tradition of trust since 1944, when our first office opened in Tegucigalpa, Honduras," says Jose S. Suquet, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Pan-American Life Insurance Group. "These strong relationships with Honduras and other Latin American countries are vital to the sustained growth of our business and our regional economy."
The delegation also had the opportunity to experience our most unique regional asset: our quality of life. Having enjoyed a crawfish boil, a trip to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and a tour of the New Orleans Saints' training facility, President Lobo and his team received a crash course in our rich musical, cultural, and social heritage.