BATON ROUGE, La., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu and the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism announced the launch of the World Cultural Economic Forum (WCEF) in Louisiana this October. The WCEF was created to build cultural economic development opportunities by bringing together cultural ambassadors and leaders from around the world.

"Leaders from more than 50 countries are coming to Louisiana to take part in the WCEF. Some of the world's brightest minds will be in New Orleans, discussing the best practices for growing cultural industries as a part of our global economy," said Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu. "Together, we will build economic opportunities by supporting creative and cultural industries such as food, film, music and art."

The WCEF includes three key components:

-- A forum at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans on October 30th and October 31st for world cultural economy leaders to discuss best practices for growing cultural industries;

-- A World Bazaar and Marketplace on October 30th -- November 1st featuring artisans and vendors from around the world and across Louisiana; and

-- Passport Events: More than 100 cultural events held throughout Louisiana in October to showcase the state's unique culture and heritage.

"We are delighted to sponsor the World Cultural Economic Forum in New Orleans this year," said Secretary Stephen Moret of Louisiana Economic Development. "The World Cultural Economic Forum provides Louisiana an opportunity to showcase its many assets to cultural economy leaders from around the world. The relationships we build with these leaders can yield investments in our economy for years to come."

World leaders from Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Denmark, Greece, France, Iraq, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, Pakistan, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom are among those represented at the WCEF.

George Pataki, former Governor of New York, and Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, Culture Ambassador for the European Union, are among those leading breakout sessions.

Register online at http://www.wcefculture.org. For Media credentialing and complimentary registration click on the "Media Form" in the media section.

SOURCE Office of the Lt. Gov.