The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana has spent the past year reasserting Louisiana’s identity as a connector between the Gulf South and the Spanish-speaking world, leading trade missions to Central America and laying groundwork for a delegation from Spain this year.
In March, HCCL led a six-day trade mission to El Salvador and Honduras, bringing together leaders from government, finance, health care, aviation, infrastructure, media and higher education. The delegation met with officials including El Salvador’s Secretary of Commerce and Investment, Miguel Kattan, and Honduras’ Secretary of Economic Development, Eddy Ordoñez, and toured Louisiana’s logistics and trade capabilities for government and business leaders in both countries.
A central outcome of the trip was the renewal of the Sister City agreement between New Orleans and Tegucigalpa, the capital city of Honduras, reaffirming a relationship between the two cities.
Representatives from Ochsner Health also led a medical panel and professional exchange at Hospital María in Honduras, while delegates from Gulf Coast Bank & Trust, Louisiana Economic Development, and the University of New Orleans took part in meetings across finance, health care and education.
The HCCL is hosting a Spanish delegation in August and a trade and cultural conference in October as part of its America250 programming.
Participants say that these events represent a meaningful opportunity to translate historical connection into tangible economic impact. The Spanish delegation visit and the upcoming trade and cultural conference create a platform to strengthen ties between Louisiana and Spain—not only culturally, but in very practical business terms.
Louisiana’s strengths in logistics, energy, health care and port operations align closely with Spanish industries that are globally competitive in those same sectors. Bringing business leaders together in a structured, intentional way can open doors for collaboration that might not otherwise occur. “A successful outcome would be measured in both immediate and long-term impact. Longer term, success would be reflected in sustained partnerships—joint ventures, supplier relationships, business expansion, and continued engagement between Louisiana and Spanish institutions.
The financial infrastructure to support that vision is already in place, says Marvin B. Saborio, director of international banking at Gulf Coast Bank & Trust. Saborio says Gulf Coast is the only bank in Louisiana that supports international accounts, serving individuals and companies from Europe, Mexico and Latin America working in the U.S., as well as Louisiana companies working with those markets.
“The competition is tremendous,” Saborio says. “But that is why these trade missions and continued contact with trade partners is very important and valuable, along with Gulf Coast Bank supporting the international market, which allows Louisiana to reconnect and push for trade to occur within our state.”
Saborio is candid about where the Spain-Louisiana banking relationship stands today. “From Spain, at this point in our business, it has been mostly symbolic,” he says. “But it takes time to develop. Louisiana has a rich history not only with Spain but also other regions, and we have seen that connection with Honduras and Central America flourish over the years. The same could happen with Spain. We look forward to taking Spain into a real movement.”
When it comes to specific opportunities, Saborio points to Spain’s well-known agricultural exports—olive oil, olives, Jamón Serrano and Manchego cheese—as natural fits for a Louisiana market defined by its restaurant culture. He also sees tourism as a significant opening. “Spain has a lot of visitors every year, especially from Latin America, given the ease of language and familiarity in culture,” he says, noting that San Salvador already has a direct flight to Madrid.
That international outlook extends to the region’s airport. Kevin Dolliole, director of aviation for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, said MSY sees its growth as tied to the broader trade relationships HCCL has helped build. “International connectivity is an important part of our long-term vision,” he says. “Our goal is to build stronger relationships with partners in El Salvador and Honduras, explore opportunities to expand air service and trade connectivity, and continue positioning New Orleans as a gateway between the Gulf South and Latin America.”
Dolliole says that the airport’s passenger growth, cargo activity and long-term planning point to a region with momentum. “We are committed to supporting partnerships that will help drive the next chapter of opportunity for our region,” he says.
Initiatives like the HCCL’s trade missions promote this type of growth. Dr. Jenny Mains, deputy mayor of economic development for the City of New Orleans, was among the March delegation’s participants. “I had the privilege of participating in the HCCL trade mission to El Salvador and Honduras earlier this year, and what stood out most was the power of relationships,” Mains says. “Economic development is ultimately about people. When leaders, businesses and institutions come together with a shared vision, opportunities follow.”
Mains adds that the City views HCCL’s work as part of a longer-term strategy rather than a single event. “The relationship with Spain is especially unique because it is rooted in both shared history and future opportunity,” she says. “As we strengthen these ties, we are looking at what we can build together in areas such as trade, logistics, energy, health care, technology, tourism and cultural exchange.”
That historical backdrop is central to how the City is framing this year’s efforts. With the nation marking the 250th anniversary of its founding, Mains points to Louisiana’s Spanish colonial history, including the legacy of Bernardo de Gálvez, as part of the story New Orleans hopes to tell international visitors. “Our message to our Spanish partners is simple: New Orleans is open for business and ready to build the future together,” she says.
“We are honored to welcome this distinguished delegation from the Region of Murcia, Spain. Their visit strengthens the longstanding ties between Louisiana and Spain while fostering economic development, international collaboration, and new opportunities for trade and investment,” said Mayra Pineda, President & CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana. “Our goal is for Spain and Latin America to recognize Louisiana as a premier destination for trade, business growth, and strategic partnerships.”
