I’m checking in from 35,000 ft. on my way to Mexico City as part of Gov. Doug Ducey’s first trade mission to Mexico.
This is big. Not only is the governor leading a delegation to our leading trade partner, but we’ve got a jam-packed, substantive agenda with business and government leaders. The governor is ready to tell Arizona’s story to our neighbors and let everyone know that our state has the competitive edge global business is clamoring for.
The governor is fresh off a trip to the Paris Air Show to carry the flag for our state’s aerospace industry, so he’s proven that he isn’t afraid to pursue jobs and investment around the globe. Having built a world-renowned brand in the private sector, this governor knows what business needs to succeed not only at home but abroad.
There’s always an element of symbolism in trips like these, but it’s important. I’ve been on trade missions before with mayors and speakers of the House and other business leaders, where we’ve made tremendous headway for Arizona’s brand. But I can’t tell you what an impression having the state’s chief executive as part of your delegation makes on your hosts.
The governor has encouraged us to think big. Well, here’s big: completing I-11 and realizing a trade corridor from Canada to Mexico; ensuring our new more modern port of entry in Nogales has the staff it needs to maintain its competitive edge; improving our other ports like those in Douglas and San Luis and the infrastructure around them to facilitate trade; and seeking ways to attract more cross-border tourism, like lessening the document requirements for Mexican nationals who want to shop in our stores, stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants and visit our attractions.
By leveraging our new trade office in Mexico City, which was strongly supported by the governor and Legislature in the fiscal year 2016 budget, and with great leaders like Arizona Mexico Commission Board President David Farca and new AMC Executive Director Kim Sabow, Gov. Ducey is ready to move the needle in Mexico.
I’ll be posting more throughout the trip, so keep following me on social media for the latest.
