[From The Baton Rouge Business Report] BATON ROUGE — Louisiana ports from Baton Rouge to New Orleans should initially target business from Latin America as the first step in a regional plan aimed at boosting trade, according to a study recommendation issued today.
The report, prepared for two economic development groups — the Baton Rouge Area Chamber and Greater New Orleans Inc. — says additional trade from Mexico, Central America and South America presents a sizable, immediate opportunity since about 141 tons of freight come from those areas through competing ports along the Gulf annually.
The study included all ports in southeastern Louisiana, including the Port of Baton Rouge, the Port of New Orleans and the Port of South Louisiana. According to a summary of the report, the region’s strengths include:
:: Established markets for exports of agricultural products, coal, petroleum and chemicals.
:: Southeastern Louisiana is much closer when entering the Gulf than the Port of Houston, which dominates container trade in the region.
:: Several interstate highways and access to six major railroads
:: Historical trade ties with Latin America.
But the report says the region lacks its own demand for consumer and industrial shipments, does not have a unified regional marketing strategy and has only a limited near-term capacity to handle more container freight.
To see the full report, click here.
