International Business in Mississippi

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America’s gateway for business

The Mississippi Development Authority works with international companies and arms them with the information and resources necessary to make sound business decisions. Major international companies like Nissan, Toyota, Continental Tire, and ABB call Mississippi home and for good reason — the state’s low cost of doing business, gigabit internet, highly trained workforce, integrated transportation network and efficient regulatory environment help businesses stay competitive with low overhead costs.

With 76 publicly owned and four privately owned airports, six interstate highways covering 698 miles and 800 miles of commercially navigable waterways, including the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico, traversing the state is a breeze. Additionally, companies doing business in Mississippi have access to talent from eight universities, 15 community colleges and a research consortium composed of four schools, creating an ecosystem where they are positioned for success now and well into the future.

Quick Links

Our Departments Global Business Alliance Mississippi Secretary of State Business Services Division MDA International Office Email

A few people conversing in a hallway at a convention center in Mississippi

Fast Facts

39,700

Mississippians employed by international companies. 4,600 of those jobs are in the manufacturing sector

432

international companies in the Magnolia State

The Nissan plant in Canton, Mississippi

was the company’s first new U.S. location in 20 years when it opened in 2003

The Mississippi Delta

is the "Birthplace of Blues"

International Businesses Investing in MS

For decades, hundreds of foreign companies have chosen Mississippi as their North American hub for business.

A skilled, productive workforce

Mississippi stays so Mighty thanks to its strong, dedicated workforce.

Eight public universities, four research institutions and 15 community colleges lead to a talented pipeline of workers, which creates a firm foundation for businesses in our state. Learn more about our workforce here.

An aerial shot of the Jackson capital building dome with a golden eagle perched at the top in Mississippi

Efficient regulatory environment

The only thing missing from Mississippi is the red tape.

That’s because businesses in the state are supported by a responsive governing body and excellent business resources. Companies thrive in Mississippi because of a streamlined and efficient process for necessities, such as land permits and incentives. Read more about our business climate here.

A shot of a street intersection in a city at night in Mississippi

Low cost of doing business

Cutting costs where we can.

Companies in Mississippi enjoy low business costs, as well as housing prices that are 40% lower than the national average. Mississippi ranks in the top 10 of states for overall cost of doing business, which means more money in your pocket to spend on the things you care about. Read more about our business climate here.

Gigabit internet

Understanding the importance of digital infrastructure starts with knowing your workforce.

Between the rise of remote work and an increasingly global economy, digital infrastructure has become more important than ever. That’s why Mississippi, in partnership with the U.S. Federal Government, invested in almost 5,000 miles of fiber optic cables passing by more than 45,000 homes and businesses in 2020. Read more about our infrastructure here.