DELEGATES from the USA's mardi gras capital New Orleans were due to arrive in Plymouth today with a view to forging "lucrative" trade links between the two cities.

Economic development chiefs from the Louisiana State Office will be brainstorming with Plymouth City Development Company bosses at a series of meetings throughout the day.

The plan is to create a link between Plymouth and The Big Easy, as the US city is famously known, targeting trade and the arts.

The visit follows a 'trade mission' to America last year by representatives from the CDC and the Barbican International Jazz and Blues Festival. It was so successful that they are now set for a second visit to New Orleans in May.

CDC creative economy director Cindy Dalgleish said the original aim was to look at increasing visitors to Plymouth's jazz spectacular.

But during the seven-day visit that aim grew – and now those behind the ambitious plans have their sights set on a number of sectors.

In Ms Dalgleish's report on the 'intelligence trip', she points to tourism, food, film and digital media as potential investment opportunities which a link between the two cities could provide.

The assistant director for Louisiana Economic Development, Dom Pearson, and its UK representative, David Smallman, are set to discuss tourism, food, film and digital media links – as well as those thrown up as a result of festivals.

Ms Dalgleish said Plymouth was exploring "several" international trade possibilities.

She said: "Finding the right international partners for a growing city is crucial for fostering innovation and retaining a competitive edge. As the trip unfolded, it became clear that Louisiana had several sectors in addition to music where there was synergy and potential for developing trade."

A partnership with New Orleans could provide "quick wins" for the music, arts and food sectors, she said, and sector leaders including chefs the Tanner brothers are already involved. In the longer-term, film and digital media partnerships could develop, thanks to strong foundations in technology and research in both cities. Louisiana also shares Plymouth's history as a strong ship-building state.

Ms Dalgleish added: "On so many levels Louisiana mirrors the city of Plymouth and the region. Investment in the creative and cultural sectors is a business like any other that can show a measurable return on investment."