Port Houston hosted the Consul General of France, Alexis Andres, and his staff for a briefing and tour March 20 at the Executive Building.

Executive Director Roger Guenther provided an overview of the organization’s history, economic impact and the Houston Ship Channel.

“Our revenue here drives economic activity,” said Guenther, who noted 1.2 million direct and indirect jobs have been created in the region due to the impact of the port.

Chief Port Infrastructure Officer Richard Byrnes discussed the port’s infrastructure, freight mobility and capital improvement projects.

“The Houston Ship Channel represents an investment as the port is the local sponsor for the waterway. We also invest in technology and look at other trends that are emerging,” said Byrnes.

Major French companies that operate along the Houston Ship Channel include Louis Dreyfus, Total Petrochemicals and shipping conglomerate CMA GGM. France imports from Houston include aircraft parts, medical instruments and gas turbines.