A Hub for Global Commerce, Skilled Workforce, and Innovative Investments
Louisiana’s strategic advantages in infrastructure and logistics, with an extensive port system and a central southern U.S. location, position it as a pivotal hub for both global and domestic commerce. The state’s prime location boasts six interstate highways, six Class 1 railroads, six deepwater ports, and seven primary airports, providing a diverse range of options for efficient inbound and outbound logistics.
A key contributor to Louisiana’s pro-business climate is a diverse, experienced, multi-faceted workforce supported by a large portfolio of public-private education partnerships and the award-winning services of LED FastStart, which employs cutting-edge technology to recruit, train and sustain a skilled talent pool at no cost to qualifying companies.
The state’s appeal for investment is further solidified by ongoing development projects. Louisiana continues to be an ideal location for energy, advanced manufacturing, and process industries, while simultaneously fostering the growth of emerging sectors like life sciences and technology. From multi-billion-dollar liquefied natural gas production facilities on the coast to lumber mill modernization projects in rural areas, diverse investments contribute to the state’s economic vibrancy.
Underlying these advantages are strategic investments in higher education, innovative research and tech development, reinforcing Louisiana’s position as the smart place to do business.
A State of Opportunity
Infrastructure Advantages
Six Mississippi River deep draft ports combine to handle the most domestic cargo in the nation. New Orleans is the only place in America where six Class I railroads converge with a deepwater seaport and each of its six Class 1 railroads spans over 3,000 miles. More than 1,000 miles of interstate connect all corners of the state with major regional markets. Nearly 50,000 miles of pipelines integrate to crisscross every major highway, railroad and navigable waterway in the state.
A Skilled, Diverse Workforce
Louisiana’s dynamic and experienced workforce is a testament to the state’s rich cultural heritage, economic vitality, status as a right-to-work state and retention of university talent. Bolstering that foundation is LED FastStart, the nationally recognized workforce development program that employs cutting-edge technology and customized solutions to recruit, train and sustain Louisiana talent pools at no cost to qualified companies.
Global Access
The Mississippi River serves as a gateway to international markets via the Gulf of Mexico and provides direct access by barge to 17 states. The state’s ports offer specialized intermodal transportation, playing a pivotal supply chain role in facilitating imports and exports and fostering trade relationships with countries worldwide.
Higher Ed Partnerships
Louisiana’s many universities and technical colleges collaborate with businesses and economic developers to prepare students for real-world jobs. This statewide strategy not only ensures talented generations of workers but also makes certain that they are proficient in unique skills specific to the demands of the modern and future economies.
Support for Innovation
Louisiana offers cost-saving incentives tailored for companies focused on innovation and advancement. A major hub for life sciences, water management, tech, aerospace and digital media, Louisiana is also committed to growing research and development, supporting customized workforce programming and developing higher ed partnerships to attract cutting-edge companies and research institutions.
Commitment to Sustainability
Louisiana’s commitment to sustainability is grounded in practices that support long-term economic growth and the development of new technologies and businesses focused on overall resilience. The state’s land, water and culture are critical to Louisiana, and maintaining these resources for a healthy environment and a vibrant economy is a priority.
Abundant Natural Resources
Louisiana has abundant and accessible raw materials such as natural gas, salt, and mineral deposits, providing unique advantages for manufacturers and energy producers. The state’s increasingly diversified agribusiness sector excels – thanks to forests, soybeans, sugarcane, world-famous seafood and an extended growing season.