Louisiana historic roots in France are evident both in their strong business ties and in a growing Francophone population
Lasting impressions made by early French settlers help to define Louisiana’s reputable culture, food, art and language. Dating back to the 17th century French exploration period, France has shown great interest in Louisiana. Since 2003, French companies have accounted for 10 projects in Louisiana, representing a total capital investment of $926.8 million, with a creation of 1,778 jobs.
NOTABLE FRENCH INVESTMENT IN LOUISIANA
- Air Liquide – Industrial gas supply specialist, air separation unit, $160 million
- AXA Advisors – Financial services regional headquarters, $29 million
- SNF Holding – Chemical manufacturer, water-soluble polymers facility, $362 million
- CMA CGM Group
In December 2016, CMA CGM Group announced the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal at the Port of New Orleans as their new vessel for a direct-to-Asia container service. CMA CGM is the world’s third-largest container carrier and is based in Marseille, France. The direct weekly service to Asia will provide transit time of as little as 26 days from Asia, allowing container shipments to reach their destinations much sooner. This new connection between New Orleans will add capacity and reliability for Louisiana exporters and importers abroad.
“CMA CGM is proud to be expanding our presence in New Orleans, further showing our commitment to the Gulf Region, and Louisiana specifically. We look forward to continued growth in the region, and are pleased to be contributing to the evolution and development of this vital hub ”
Marc Bourdon
President, CMA CGM America LLC
TRADE BETWEEN FRANCE AND LOUISIANA
EXPORTS TO FRANCE
|
| Petroleum & Coal products |
$668.5 million |
| Chemicals |
$204.6 million |
| Food Manufactures |
$33.7 million |
| Other |
$42.2 million |
Total
|
$948.9 million
|
IMPORTS FROM FRANCE
|
| Chemicals |
$92.5 million |
| Fabricated Metal Products |
$87.6 million |
| Petroleum & Coal Products |
$79.6 million |
| Other |
$103.7 million |
Total
|
$363.2 million
|
CULTURAL TIES AND RESOURCES
Consul General of France Vincent Sciama
1340 Poydras Street, Suite 1710
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
Tel: 504.569.2870
vincent.sciama@diplomatie.gouv.fr
Louisiana’s French agency, the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL), aims to support and grow Louisiana's French speaking communities through scholarships, French immersion and various other community and language skill-building programs. Learn more here.
The French-American Chamber of Commerce, based in New Orleans, hosts a variety of business-related and cultural events throughout the year from wine tastings to Bastille Day celebrations. Learn more here.
Louisiana State University offers over 20 international exchange programs at universities in France, including a year-long program at EM Strasbourg Business School. There are many other upper education institutions in Louisiana offer academic programs at universities in France. Learn more here.
Louisiana is proud to have numerous primary and secondary schools that offer full immersion in French.
Festival International de Louisiane, a performing arts festival which began in 1986 in downtown Lafayette, features music, workshops, exhibits, visual art and theater. The non-profit organization is the largest music and arts festival in the United States, dedicating special emphasis on the connection between Acadiana and the Francophone world. You can learn more information here.