Jefferson Parish, Louisiana was established in 1825 and was named in honor of Thomas Jefferson, commemorating his role in purchasing the Louisiana territory from France in 1803.  The designation of 'parish' is the equivalent of 'county' in all states outside of Louisiana.  Jefferson Parish is spread across 631 sq miles, with Lake Pontchartrain as its northern boundary and the Gulf of Mexico as the boundary on its southern end.  The Mississippi River bisects the Parish into East Bank and West Bank communities.  The Parish is composed of a large unincorporated area plus six municipalities.  Approximately 457,000 people call Jefferson Parish home.  New Orleans lies on the northeastern boundary of the Parish.  Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is located within Jefferson Parish on its northwestern boundary.  More information can be found about the history, culture, and composition of Jefferson Parish here.

Jefferson Parish has much to offer those interested in participating in international trade.  Here are some of the resources available to individuals and businesses within Jefferson Parish.

Jefferson Economic Development Council
There exists in Jefferson Parish a mechanism by which interested parties may be introduced to all the amenities of business in Jefferson Parish.  This link provides a connection with JEDCO which will assist any potential Jefferson Parish developer in learning more about how to do business in Jefferson Parish.

Industrial/Commercial Development
Major package shippers and freight forwarders have distribution centers within the Parish. There is an intact infrastructure which is already zoned for commercial/industrial development.  Jefferson Parish provides easy access to all modes of transportation, whether by air, sea, land, or rail.  The Port of New Orleans, just downriver from the parish's eastern boundary, is one of the busiest in the nation.

Airport/Transportation Facilities
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is located in Jefferson Parish and provides easy access to and from Central and South America.  Additionally, there is a cold storage facility adjacent to Armstrong International Airport, making perishable goods trade a possibility from geographic distances.  Major east-west rail lines cross the Mississippi River in Jefferson Parish.  Interstate 10, which takes westbound travelers through Houston all the way to Los Angeles, and carries eastbound traffic through Mobile all the way to Jacksonville, Florida, runs through the heart of the Parish's East Bank.  This southernmost interstate highway connects with northbound Interstate 55, which goes through St. Louis to Chicago, and Interstate 59, which carries travelers to Interstate 20 for easy access to Atlanta and points north and east.

Medical Facilities
Jefferson Parish is home to several major hospitals which provide an amazing array of care.  These hospitals are recognized throughout the United States for the medical expertise of their staffs and for their welcoming and accommodating atmospheres.  Housing is available for out of town patients at low or no cost.

Other Website Resources
- Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO)
- Business with Jefferson Parish
- Alario Center Sports Complex

- Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
- New Orleans International Airport Perishables Center
- Louisiana Tax Free Shopping
- BuyUSA.gov
- Bureau of Transportation Statistics
- World Trade Center of New Orleans
- Louisiana Economic Development
- Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State
- Export-Import Bank of the United States
- New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau