Port Louis has the biggest harbour on the island. A sugar terminal has been built very near to the harbor for the exportation of sugar-cane which is the number one pillar of Mauritian economy.The harbor has over the decades been extended through reclaimed land. The Caudan Waterfront for example which is just next to the harbor has been built over these reclaimed pieces of land.

The city is also the biggest business hub on the island and most government departments are situated in Port Louis. Given the number of people that work in Port Louis, this leads to a chaotic situation traffic-wise on week days. People from all over the island travel to Port Louis and many roads become congested.