San Luis, Arizona — Last week, Mayor Gerardo Sanchez and Vice-Mayor Maria Cecilia Ramos attended the 13th Annual Governor’s International State of the State address in Paradise Valley, Arizona. In his address, hosted by the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey reported that Arizona’s international relationships have never been stronger and the opportunities to prosper have never been greater.
Arizona’s international trade relations are crucial to our state’s growing economy. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Arizona ranked 19th in the United States with total exports in international trade valued at $19.8 billion in 2008. Arizona’s top trading partner (“times four”, noted Ducey) is Mexico with total exports valued at $15.49 billion; China is the second largest trading partner, while Canada is third.
For Arizona, strong trade partnerships means more jobs for the sunshine State. More than 230,000 Arizona jobs depend on trade with Mexico and Canada. During a panel discussion with guests Mexico Undersecretary Carlos Sada and Canada Ambassador David MacNaughton, Ambassador MacNaughton applauded Arizona for strengthening the economic ties with the international community and remarked, “Arizona: keep on doing what you’re doing.”
“I was fortunate to personally thank Governor Doug Ducey for his incredible leadership and support with our ports of entry,” said Mayor Sanchez. “Governor Ducey also thanked me and the Mayor of Douglas for our leadership and hard work,” he added. “We are getting 17 additional lanes to our port of entry, and 234 million dollars to rebuild it, once it is approved. I am very proud of the City of San Luis and very proud of the people who are working hard to make it better,” concluded Mayor Sanchez.