Louisiana to Promote State Business Investment in Paris
State officials are meeting with French CEOs to drive investment as the New Orleans Saints head to France.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in People
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Louisiana state officials are holding a series of business development meetings in Paris on October 24, 2026. The state aims to capitalize on the international attention surrounding an upcoming NFL game to attract foreign investment.
Why it matters
By leveraging the high-profile visibility of the New Orleans Saints in international markets, the state is attempting to connect local sectors like energy and healthcare with potential French capital investment.
The state is utilizing a 14,000 square-foot pavilion called Louisiana NOW to host foreign executives during the meetings. The total economic impact of this recruitment effort is not yet known.
The players
Jeff Landry
The Governor of Louisiana who is leading the state’s international business recruitment delegation.
Louisiana Department of Economic Development
The state agency responsible for overseeing business retention, recruitment, and economic policy.
New Orleans Saints
A professional NFL franchise used by state officials as a mechanism for international outreach.
The details
The Louisiana Department of Economic Development is facilitating the sessions to target French CEOs and business leaders. Friday’s programming focuses on operational discussions regarding the state’s power grid and healthcare systems, concluding with remarks from Governor Jeff Landry at the Hotel Salomon de Rothschild.
Timeline
October 24, 2026: Business meetings and seminars take place in Paris.
October 25, 2026: New Orleans Saints play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Paris.
Market Landscape
This effort builds on the visibility gained from Louisiana hosting the 2025 Super Bowl to sustain international business interest. It marks a shift from domestic recruitment toward targeted European market outreach to secure capital for local infrastructure.
Operators in the power and healthcare sectors should monitor if these meetings result in new cross-border partnerships or supply chain entrants. Local businesses should track state-level economic announcements following the delegation's return for potential competitive shifts.
The takeaway
The state is attempting to transform global sports marketing into concrete infrastructure and healthcare investment for local business ecosystems. Operators should track the Louisiana Department of Economic Development for reports on specific sectoral commitments emerging from these sessions.
Further reading
For more on state economic policy and industry developments, visit People.
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