ARIZONA-MEXICO COMMISSION | CHAMBER BUSINESS NEWS CELEBRATING YEARS OF CROSS-BORDER COLLABORATION 1959 2019 - SUMMER 2019
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SUMMER 2019
VECINOS
ARIZONA-MEXICO COMMISSION | CHAMBER BUSINESS NEWS
CELEBRATING
YEARS OF
CROSS-BORDER
COLLABORATION
1959 2019
2019
s u m m e r 4 GOVERNOR DUCEY ADVANCES RELATIONS WITH MEXICO
Governor Doug Ducey has become a national leader when it comes to
strengthening relations with Mexico and recognizes the importance of
working with his counterparts to ensure both economies thrive.
8 CELEBRATING YEARS OF GLOBAL TIES
Arizona-Mexico Commission President Jessica Pacheco and Board Member
Glenn Hamer discuss the organization’s expansive and lasting contributions.
10 ARIZONA-MEXICO COMMIS SION THROUGH THE YEARS
The Arizona-Mexico Commission was founded in 1959 and has since worked
to strengthen Arizona’s relationship with Mexico. Take a look back at the last
six decades.
14 BINATIONAL COMMITTEES—THE AMC'S PROVEN DRIVING FORCE
Juan Ciscomani, Senior Advisor for Regional and International Affairs to
Governor Doug Ducey and Vice Chair of the Arizona-Mexico Commission
Board of Directors, discusses the Commission's binational committees.
16 ARIZONA-MEXICO COMMIS SION TIMELINE
This visual timeline celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Arizona-Mexico
Commission. Explore the early days of the Commission, key historical events
and recent accomplishments.
18 Q&A WITH ARIZONA GOVERNOR DUCEY
In this exclusive interview, Governor Doug Ducey discusses his role as chair
of the Arizona-Mexico Commission and why Arizona’s relationship with
Mexico is important to the state.
2 0 TRADE AND TRANSPORTATION ON THE BORDER
Arizona’s ports of entry and transportation routes are busy and expanding.
From budgets to borders to trade routes, here’s a brief look at what’s going
on along the border.
Vecinos is a partnership between the Arizona-Mexico Commission and Chamber Business News. The Arizona-Mexico
Commission is Arizona’s premier cross-border nonprofit organization focused on improving the economic prosperity
and quality of life for all Arizonans through strong, public/private collaborations in advocacy, trade, networking and 24 THE ARIZONA-SONORA REGION—AN ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE
information. To learn more, visit azmc.org. Gail Lewis, Director of P3 initiatives and Senior Advisor for International
Affairs at ADOT, and Bruce Wright, Arizona-Mexico Commission Board
To highlight the often-untold stories, Chamber Business News delivers insider information, engages newsmakers and Member, discuss the Arizona-Sonora Strategic Economic Vision.
addresses issues that drive Arizona toward a brighter and more prosperous future. Chamber Business News is an
2 6 A T WO-NATION DESTINATION
initiative of the Arizona Chamber Foundation. To learn more, visit ChamberBusinessNews.com.
Most of Arizona’s international visitors come from Mexico and more than
10,000 overnight tourists from Mexico visit each day. Tourism between
Arizona and Mexico creates a noteworthy economic impact.
2| SUMMER VECINOS |3
GOVERNOR DUCEY
Arizona’s relationship with Mexico, especially with efficient flow of goods between our states and
Arizona’s neighbor to the south, Sonora, has become a countries, we have so much groundbreaking work to
national model for diplomacy and collaboration. build upon, and this trip was an opportunity to continue
ADVANCES RELATIONS
those efforts.”
Shortly after taking office, Governor Doug Ducey led a
delegation to Mexico City to meet with elected officials During his trip, Governor Ducey met with Mexican
and business leaders to share the message that Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard and Ambassador of
Arizona is open for business. Today, Arizona enjoys a Mexico to the United States Martha Bárcena to discuss
WITH MEXICO
thriving relationship with Mexico that can be seen in the how to build upon the strong bond Arizona and Mexico
strong ties between Governor Ducey and high-level share. The governor also met with the president and
dignitaries in Mexico. CEO of the United States-Mexico Chamber of
Last fall, Governor Ducey traveled to Mexico City to Commerce, Albert Zapanta, to discuss the best
Governor Doug Ducey has become a national leader when it comes to take part in new President Andrés Manuel López practices for creating strong economic ties between
strengthening relations with Mexico. As chair of the Arizona-Mexico Commission, Obrador's inauguration festivities. While there he met the two countries.
Governor Ducey recognizes the importance of working collaboratively with his with many cabinet level officials, bolstering his “I think the governor has a deep understanding of what
counterparts in Mexico to ensure both economies thrive. binational reputation as one of the U.S.' most makes Arizona prosper,” Arizona-Mexico Commission
internationally engaged governors. President Jessica Pacheco said. “What makes Arizona
BY LORNA ROMERO “It’s always great to be in Mexico, solidifying our prosperous is a thriving economy. Our trade
relationship as trading partners, neighbors and friends relationship with Mexico is integral in making our
for years to come,” Governor Ducey said. “From economy not only a healthy one, but one that can
increased security at our ports of entry, to unique compete globally. We are dealing with a global stage
educational opportunities for our citizens, and more and Governor Ducey’s leadership with our relationship
4| SUMMER Phoenix skyline, courtesy of Dreamframer/Shuerstock.com
with Mexico—understanding the importance of our
economic, social, and cultural ties—has really been a
XXXXXXX/SHUTTERSTOCKCOM
national best practice model.”
In 2018, two-way trade with Mexico exceeded $16 billion,
and can be tied to 91,000 jobs in Arizona. This is due in
part to our ports of entry, which are critical to facilitating
healthy two-way trade. Systems like Unified Cargo
Processing, in which U.S. and Mexican customs officials
conduct inspections side-by-side, are helping to
streamline the movement of goods and services through
our ports.
“Arizona and Sonora have set an example of
pragmatism that is already delivering results for the
economy on both sides of the border,” said John
Murphy, senior vice president for international policy at
the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “From the governor to
the Arizona Chamber and members of the congressional
delegation from both parties, the focus has been on
delivering real solutions that support trade, growth, and
jobs. There’s an innovative approach, exemplified by
initiatives such as SkyBridge, that is really exciting.”
“Governor Ducey has positioned Arizona at the
forefront of cross-border collaboration and has
re-energized the Arizona-Mexico Commission to lead the
way in this important relationship” said Juan Ciscomani,
Senior Advisor to Governor Ducey and Vice-Chair of the
Arizona-Mexico Commission. “The AMC is proud to Plaza de la Constitución in Mexico City, courtesy of Diego Grandi/Shuerstock.com
execute on the Governor’s vision by hosting events like
the 2019 Governor’s Luncheon with Mexico Ambassador
to the United States Martha Bárcena earlier this year.”
The event focused on the issues facing both countries
and opportunities for Arizona and Mexico in a new era of
North American trade. Governor Ducey and
Ambassador Bárcena’s desire for mutual prosperity
aligns with the Arizona-Mexico Commission’s mission to
foster a strong relationship between Arizona and Mexico
and to embrace the economic, geographic and cultural
ties.
“I just want to [say] how much I appreciate the
leadership of Governor Ducey with other governors,
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, Sonora Governor Claudia
other colleagues,” Ambassador Bárcena said. “Without
Her Excellency Martha Bárcena, Ambassador of Mexico to the Arizona Governor Doug Ducey greets performers at the Pavlovich, Arizona Department of Transportation Director John
his leadership, other governors would not be so
United States, and Arizona Governor Doug Ducey discuss inauguration of Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Halikowski and Sonora Secretary of Transportation and Urban
Arizona’s cross-border relationship with Mexico at the 2019
sympathetic to Mexico and the USMCA. He’s a Development Secretary Ricardo Martinez sign a memorandum
Obrador.
Governor’s Luncheon hosted by the Arizona-Mexico
respected governor among his peers, he is a leader of understanding regarding the Safety Commercial Logistical
Courtesy of the Office of Arizona Governor Doug Ducey
Commission. among his peers and he represents Arizona with great Corridor Program.
pride. So, you should also be very proud of your Courtesy of the Office of Arizona Governor Doug Ducey
governor.”
6 | SUMMER VECINOS |7
G U E S T C O M M E N TA RY
collaborative research initiatives. To
support regional safety and strong Arizona Governor Paul Fannin put it best when he said,
infrastructure, the AMC has
facilitated unique cross-border “God made us neighbors, let us be good neighbors.”
a broad array of shared issues, partnerships such as the
including trade, infrastructure, Lukeville-Puerto Peñasco Safety Today the Arizona-Mexico Commission keeps Gov.
energy, and tourism, becoming Corridor and the commercial
stronger under this structure even driver-training program that make Fannin’s words close as it works in collaboration for the
as state leadership changed hands our infrastructure safer and more
efficient.
under multiple Arizona and Sonora mutual prosperity of Arizona and Mexico.
governors. As chair of the AMC, Gov. Ducey
Throughout its 60-year history, the knows the importance of keeping
AMC’s contributions are expansive Arizona’s relationship with Mexico
and lasting, focusing on advocacy strong. Under his leadership, the
business and global trade are on the the AMC and its counterpart in
for policies that uplift the joint AMC has never been more vibrant
rise, and increasingly our key partners Sonora working as neighbors for
region. Most recently, the or effective. By continuing an open
are those across our own borders. good.
Commission has played an essential dialogue on common issues of
Mexico City at night, courtesy of Joshua Davenport/Shuerstock.com The AMC has set the standard as to
role in advocating for the ratification importance, the two states have Arizona Governor Paul Fannin put it
how to develop and maintain a
of the United States-Mexico-Canada been able to advocate effectively best when he said, “God made us
lasting neighborly relationship built
CELEBRATING YEARS Agreement (USMCA). on behalf of the region even as neighbors, let us be good
on trust and mutual understanding.
international tensions over border neighbors.” Today the AMC keeps
Through its work, the AMC is keenly issues rose and fell over the years. Gov. Fannin’s words close as it
The organization’s 60-year legacy
OF GLOBAL TIES
aware of the deep impact trade works in collaboration for the mutual
between the U.S. and Mexico has on As we move into an increasingly of cross-border collaboration is one
prosperity of Arizona and Mexico.
furthering economic prosperity in interconnected world, the role of to celebrate. As permanent
the region, and regularly discusses the AMC in strengthening Arizona’s neighbors looking to maintain a Jessica Pacheco is the Vice President of
Arizona-Mexico Commission President Jessica Pacheco and Board State and Local Affairs for Arizona Public
the importance of enhancing the ties with Mexico, Arizona’s number mutually beneficial relationship,
Member Glenn Hamer discuss the organization’s expansive and lasting Service and Glenn Hamer is the President &
two economies. one trading partner, will become Arizona and Mexico are incredibly
contributions. CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce
even more important. International fortunate to have organizations like and Industry.
A report released earlier this year
by the AMC and the Arizona
BY JESSICA PACHECO & GLENN HAMER
Chamber Foundation found that in
2018 Arizona’s two-way trade with Phoenix skyline, courtesy of Mark Skalny/Shuerstock.com
Mexico equaled $16.6 billion – nearly
F
$7.6 billion in exports and $9 billion
or 60 years the Arizona- Comité de Promoción Económica y in imports.
Mexico Commission (AMC) Social de Sonora-Arizona.
Keeping trade, commerce, and
has served to promote a
In 1972, Arizona Governor Jack tourism flowing is, of course, key.
strong and cooperative
Williams expanded and elevated the The organization is doing its part to
relationship between Arizona newly renamed Arizona-Mexico reduce border wait times through
and Mexico. Commission’s activities and championing innovative programs
The organization has been a appointed a select group of like Unified Cargo Processing, a joint
constant in Arizona since 1959 when prominent business and community U.S.-Mexico inspection program
Governor Paul J. Fannin and Sonora leaders to serve on its board of piloted at the Nogales Port of Entry.
Governor Álvaro Obregón saw the directors. Today, binational
The AMC also works to facilitate
importance of fostering cross-border committees chaired by leaders in
joint promotion of the region as a
the public and private sector drive
cooperation and common ground. tourist destination, and supports
the work of the AMC to improve the
Together they launched what binational university partnerships for
economic prosperity and quality of
began as the Arizona-Mexico West Arizona’s universities through
life for all throughout the region.
Coast Trade Commission and its international degree programs and
sister organization in Sonora, the The AMC has expanded its scope to
|3
classes, student exchanges, and
SUMMER 2019
8| SUMMER VECINOS |9
REX WHOLSTER/SHUTTERSTOCKCOM
s
Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Sonora officially became
Sister Cities in 1980. The two cities became known as
Ambos Nogales while Arizona Governor Bruce Babbitt
and Sonora Governor Samuel Ocaña García were in
office.
In 1984, the AMC expanded to eight committees with the
addition of the Legal Advisory Committee.
In 1989, the first U.S.-Mexico Border Governors
Conference was held in Arizona.
s
In 1992, the State of Arizona opened a trade office in
Hermosillo, Sonora to support business growth in both
states and benefit the entire Arizona-Sonora region.
In 1994, the U.S. House of Representatives issued a
conference report instructing the U.S. Customs Service
Grand Canyon National Park to undertake a unified binational border port
management pilot project. It was intended to design and
test a model of unified border port management in the
good neighbors.” Nogales Customs District.
ARIZONA-MEXICO COMMISSION s The following year, the Arizona State Legislature
appropriated $925,000 for the border port
THROUGH THE YEARS
From 1960-1961, the edible animals and animal imports management pilot project as well as the initiation phase
group was valued at $68,087,859. The vegetable, food of the CANAMEX multistate trade coalition.
products and beverages group was valued at
The Arizona-Mexico Commission was founded in 1959 and has since worked to strengthen Arizona’s relationship with The AMC assisted in the designation of the U.S.
$41,648,908, according to tracking reports by the
Mexico. Take a look back at the last six decades. consulate in Hermosillo as a U.S. Consulate General
University of Arizona. Imports for consumption are
office in 1998. It opened that year and established a
measured by the value of merchandise that clears
permanent Consulate office in Nogales, Sonora.
customs or U.S. Foreign Trade Zones and enters the
BY SIERRA CIARAMELLA
market.
T
Former Arizona Governor Jack Williams rebranded the
he Arizona-Mexico Commission was Honorable Álvaro Obregón, were motivated by the Arizona-Mexico West Coast Trade Commission to what
founded in 1959 and has since worked to conference and decided to create a permanent is now known as the Arizona-Mexico Commission in
strengthen Arizona’s relationship with Arizona-Sonora committee. 1967.
Mexico, especially its neighbor south of
At the first committee meeting, Gov. Fannin overheard a
the border in Sonora. As it celebrates its s
Sonoran attendee say, “God made us neighbors, let us
60th anniversary this year, the In 1972, the AMC established formal committees with a
be
Commission looks toward the future. But, what are some reorganization. The committees formed that year
of its key accomplishments in the last six decades? included Trade and Commerce, Banking and Finance,
THEFOUNDING Agriculture and Livestock, Education, Tourism, Health,
and Art and Culture.
Former Arizona Governor Paul Fannin founded what is
now called the Arizona-Mexico Commission (AMC) in In 1975, the AMC published the first bi-monthly bulletin,
1959 following his election. which was designed to help inform members and
stakeholders of the AMC’s different happenings.
Shortly after taking office, Gov. Fannin attended the Chairman of the Arizona-Mexico West Coast Trade
Arizona-Sonora International Conference in Tucson held The University of Arizona published the Economic Commission (now Arizona-Mexico Commission) Paul McGinn,
by the University of Arizona and the University of Sonora Impact of Mexican Visitors to Arizona in 1978. Tourism Sonora Secretary of State Cesar Gandara and Arizona
in Hermosillo. from Mexico to Arizona- and vice versa- is still tracked Secretary of State Wesley Bolin at the Arizona State Fair in 1967.
|3
annually to analyze the economic impact and
Gov. Fannin and the Governor of Sonora at the time, the opportunities.
SUMMER 2019
10| SUMMER VECINOS |1 1
In 2008, Arizona and Sonora high school students
View of Nogales, Sonora from Nogales, Arizona, courtesy of Rex Wholster/Shuerstock.com
compete in the Arizona-Sonora Bowl II, in celebration of
Super Bowl XLII. Arizona beat Sonora.
In 2009, the AMC Environment & Water Committee
completed a study of the feasibility of binational
desalination to address water needs of the region. It was
funded by the Central Arizona Project and Salt River
Project.
s
The Transportation and Trade Corridor Alliance (TTCA)
was established in 2012. It was geared to raise the level
of attention “to issues and opportunities in trade,
Magaret (Pat) Lougee was named the first female Board
transportation, logistics and supply chain development,”
Member of the Arizona-Mexico Commission in 1972. That year,
according to the TTCA. Partners of the TTCA included
the AMC also reorganized the organization and established
formal commiees.
the AMC, Arizona Commerce Authority, Arizona Office
of Tourism, and the Arizona Department of
Transportation.
s In 2014, the State of Arizona Trade Office opened in
Mexico City and the Mariposa Port of Entry expansion
The State of Arizona, AAA Arizona and the State of
was completed. The expansion totaled about $200
Sonora signed a memorandum of understanding in
million. Pavlovich signed the Lukeville – Puerto Peñasco Safety The policy review covers the importance of Arizona’s
2000 to establish cooperation in the promotion of
Arizona and Sonora teamed up in 2017 to create the Corridor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The trade relationship with Mexico and Canada and the ways
tourism and facilitation of cross-border travel.
safety corridor was established to improve the safety of in which the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement
“Home Port,” an agreement designed to pave the way
In 2006, the AMC and the Comisión Sonora-Arizona those traveling to and from Arizona and Sonora. (USMCA) will benefit the state’s economy.
for residents of the region to have easy access to
implemented the Arizona-Sonora 511 Travel and
Transportation System Initiative linking cross-border cruises in Puerto Peñasco. Unified Cargo Processing was piloted at the Mariposa That year, Gov. Ducey welcomed Martha Bárcena,
travelers to timely traffic information in Arizona and Sonora. Port of Entry as well. Through the pilot, agents on both Ambassador of Mexico to the United States, on her first
That same year, Gov. Ducey and Sonora Gov. Claudia
sides of the border would conduct cargo clearance official trip to Arizona as ambassador.
examinations in an effort to reduce wait times at the
border.
In 2018, the Lukeville – Puerto Peñasco Safety Corridor
launched after the MOU between Gov. Ducey and Gov.
Pavlovich.
That year, Gov. Ducey announced the launch of
SkyBridge Arizona at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway
Airport. SkyBridge Arizona is similar to the Unified Cargo
Processing pilot in that it intended to speed up
cross-border traffic. The development is designed to
allow U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Mexican
customs officers to examine shipments at the same
time.
After President Andrés Manuel López Obrador was
Her Excellency Martha Bárcena, Ambassador of Mexico to the
elected president of Mexico, Gov. Ducey attended his
United States, and Arizona Governor Doug Ducey aended
inauguration in Mexico City December of 2018.
the inauguration of Mexican President Andrés Manuel López
The AMC partnered with the Arizona Chamber of Obrador.
Commerce and Industry and the Arizona Chamber Courtesy of the Office of Arizona Governor Doug Ducey
View of the Arizona/Sonora border, courtesy of the University of Arizona, Special Collections Foundation in 2019 to publish a policy review, The
USMCA & Its Impact on Arizona.
12| SUMMER VECINOS |1 3
G U E S T C O M M E N TA RY
have been signed and issued—all of However, the committees have also
which have contributed to inspired many lighthearted
improvements in public safety, ease moments. Within the first two
of transportation, quality of decades of the organization’s
education, and joint efforts in the founding, we saw multiple friendly Agribusiness & Wildlife
as we know them today were
promotion of tourism and economic sports exchanges between Arizona
formed, starting with Agriculture
development in the shared region. and Sonora. Arizona hosted
and Livestock, Art and Culture,
numerous Little League baseball
Art & Culture
Banking and Finance, Education, We have seen some great examples
teams while the University of
Health, Tourism, and Trade and of collaboration that have resulted
Commerce. in game-changing projects for the
Arizona sent multiple softball teams Community & Social
to play in Mexico. In 1968, the State
This unique structure is what sets
region, starting in the early years
of Sonora gifted Arizona a statue of
Organizations
when engineers from Mexico toured
the Arizona-Mexico Commission Father Kino. The statue currently
Arizona to learn firsthand about
apart from other organizations.
Arizona’s irrigation projects. A few
resides in Tucson, Arizona and Economic Development
Today, there are 16 such binational contains a copper time capsule that
decades later when the U.S.
committees, each led by a public is to be opened in 2235.
Hermosillo Consulate General office
and private sector co-chair from
was facing closure due to The Arizona-Mexico Commission
Education
Arizona-Mexico Commission Binational Commiee Members, 2019 Arizona and Sonora. Many of our
budgetary cutbacks, the AMC has ensured that the shared
committee chairs are state agency
directors, private sector leaders and
spearheaded efforts to save it. language, history, culture, stories, Emergency Management
Those efforts not only saved the food, and most importantly, values,
BINATIONAL COMMITTEES experts in their respective fields.
Committee meetings are where the
U.S. Hermosillo Consulate General,
they also resulted in a second U.S.
transcend our shared border to
offer a unique and vibrant region. It Energy
—THE AMC'S PROVEN bulk of the AMC’s ideas originate
and are the driving force behind the
Consulate General in Nogales. To
this day, Sonora is the only state in
is through the 16 committees that
the Arizona-Mexico Commission is
Environment & Water
DRIVING FORCE
organization’s successes – many of Mexico with two U.S. Consulate empowered to champion these
which have garnered international General offices. In recent years, the values that continue to strengthen
attention. The committees welcome
participation from members of the
AMC has taken things to an entirely an incredibly important relationship. Financial & Legal Services
Juan Ciscomani, Senior Advisor for Regional and International Affairs to new level with projects such as the Our ties with Mexico have never
Governor Ducey and Vice Chair of the Arizona-Mexico Commission Arizona-Mexico Commission and Border Liaison Unit and the been stronger, and through the
Board of Directors, discusses the Commission's binational committees. the Comisión Sonora-Arizona (CSA) establishment of the Safety Corridor impactful work of the AMC’s Health Services
interested in helping drive the between the Lukeville-Sonoyta Port thoughtful, committed partners, we
initiatives planned over the course of Entry and Puerto Peñasco, will continue to make a lasting
BY JUAN CISCOMANI of the year. Committee actions lead Sonora. These initiatives both seek impact for the next 60 years and Mining
to real results, and these to facilitate trade and tourism while beyond.
accomplishments are presented to enhancing safety measures.
the governors twice each year at
Real Estate
“Never doubt that a small group of and Sonora in mind as they tackle a the summer and winter commission
thoughtful, committed citizens can range of issues important to each meetings. Security
change the world; indeed, it's the state and to their respective Since 1972, these committees have
only thing that ever has.” Governors. The ultimate goal? To been an integral part of the
–Margaret Mead improve the quality of life in our Arizona-Mexico Commission’s foundation
Tourism
T
region through cross-border and the binational relationship.
here is perhaps no truer collaboration. Under Governor Ducey’s leadership, Transportation,
statement to describe the The AMC was originally established the work of these 16 committees
Arizona-Mexico Commission’s in 1959 as the Arizona-Mexico West has been re-energized through the
Infrastructure & Ports
(AMC) binational committees Coast Trade Commission, and by cooperative and productive relationship
and the extraordinary 1972 Governor Jack Williams of shared with Sonora Governor Sports (Ad-Hoc)
results they have produced over the Arizona felt the Commission could Claudia Pavlovich. Between 2015
Arizona-Mexico Commission commiee leadership celebrated the official launch of the
course of 60 years. The individuals expand its binational influence. The and 2018 alone, 13 memorandums
Lukeville-Puerto Peñasco Safety Corridor at the Lukeville-Sonoyta Port of Entry in 2018.
serving on these committees have organization was rebranded and of understanding, declarations of
|3
the best interests of both Arizona shortly thereafter the committees cooperation and joint statements
SUMMER 2019
14| SUMMER VECINOS |1 5
ARIZONA-MEXICO COMMISSION TIMELINE The Arizona-Mexico Commission has 60 years of rich history. This visual timeline explores the early days of the AMC and recent accomplishments.
1961 2007 2015
1991 Doug Ducey is inaugurated as
1980 Fife Symington is inaugurated Governor of Arizona.
as Governor of Arizona.
1967 1970 2018
Jack Williams is inaugurated 1977
as Governor of Arizona.
2000 Governor Ducey leads his
United States Ambos Nogales officially
imports for become Sister Cities. • The State of Arizona Arizona and Sonora enter into a
partnership with National
first trade mission to
Mexico City.
consumption
from Mexico opens a trade office in Geographic to promote geotourism
throughout the region.
through Arizona. Guadalajara, Jalisco. Claudia Pavlovich is inaugurated as Sonora Governor Pavlovich
• The Arizona-Sonora Economic Opportunities Governor of Sonora. attends Governor Ducey's
1962 Arizona exports reach
Regional Partnership is established.
State of the State Address.
$5 billion. 2001 2016
The Arizona-Mexico
2008 • Governor Ducey announces the launch of
West Coast Trade
Commission is The Friendship Airport-Industrial Complex Governor Castro is
nominated by
First U.S.-Mexico 1992 • Annual Arizona-Mexico • Arizona and Sonora develop a binational SkyBridge Arizona at the Phoenix-Mesa
renamed
Arizona-Mexico Mexico Day is
is proposed to Arizona-Mexico
Commission. The project would have been President Carter to
Border Governors
Conference is held in Commission Dr. Andy Environmental Strategic Plan. Gateway Airport.
Commission by held at the located between San Luis, Arizona and serve as Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua. Nichols Award is
Governor Williams. Arizona State San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora with a Ambassador to
Argentina. established. • Unified Cargo Processing is piloted at the • Annual Arizona-Mexico Commission
Fair. runway in both states.
1984 Mariposa Port of Entry. William K. Brooks Award is established.
1972 Wesley Bolin is inaugurated • The Arizona-Mexico Commission Legal • Arizona-Sonora Film
Governor Fannin and
as Governor of Arizona. Advisory Committee is established. Commission is established. • Arizona Department of Transportation
Sonora Governor Luis • The Arizona-Mexico Arizona and Sonora high school signs historic agreement with the Mexican
Encinas attend
"Arizona-Sonora
Commission is reorganized and 1978 The State of
students compete in the
Ministry of Communications and
Arizona-Sonora Bowl II, in
Recognition Day" at the formal committees are formed: Arizona opens 2002 celebration of Super Bowl XLII. Transportation to conduct a freight corridor
Seattle World's Fair.
•Trade and Commerce trade office in Arizona beats Sonora.
study of the Arizona-Mexico corridor.
• The State of Arizona
Courtesy of: Seattle Municipal
Hermosillo, Sonora.
Archives
The State of Sonora gifts • Banking and Finance Governor Ducey and
State Route 189 receives
full funding for
Arizona a statue of Father
• Agriculture and Livestock • Annual Arizona-Mexico Commission hosts the 20th U.S.-Mexico
1963 Kino. The statue currently
Border Governors
• Governor Ducey accompanied by Sonora The Lukeville-Puerto
Peñasco Safety
Sonora Governor Pavlovich expansion to
• Education host the National accommodate
2009
resides in Tucson, Arizona Tony Certósimo Award is established. Governor Pavlovich, announces electric car Corridor launches,
Governors Association commercial traffic at the
and contains a time capsule
• Tourism Conference. resulting from a MOU
The Arizona-Mexico Commission and company, Lucid Motors, to open factory in North American Summit in Mariposa Port of Entry.
1969
1999
that will be opened in 2235. between Governor
1989
1979
Arizona. Courtesy of: MUTCD
• Health the Comisión Sonora-Arizona
1993 Casa Grande, Arizona utilizing U.S. and Ducey and Sonora
1968 • Art and Culture
celebrate 25th Anniversary.
• Governor Hull leads trade Groundbreaking ceremony Mexico supply chains.
Governor Pavlovich.
mission to Guadalajara and takes place for the San Luis II
• Margaret (Pat) Lougee is Mexico City, meets with Port of Entry.
named the first female Mexican President Vicente
The University of Arizona
Arizona-Mexico Commission publishes a study on the Fox.
Board Member. “Economic Impact of
Mexican Visitors to Arizona.” Governor Ducey joins
The U.S. General Governor Ducey, Sonora
Flagstaff, Arizona hosts the The North American Free Services Administration Martha Bárcena,
1968 West German Olympic
team for training prior to the
1973 • Governor Bolin Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is
ratified by the United States,
The Summit Six, a group of Arizona and Sonora create the
completes $6 million
new Pedestrian Annex at
Mexico's Ambassador
to the United States for
Governor Claudia Pavlovich
and New Mexico Governor
passes. First U.S.-Mexico Border
1959
free trade economic first of its kind Public-Private Susana Martinez sign MOU
Mexican President
XIX Olympiad in October
1968, in Mexico City. • Sinaloa Governor Alfredo Governors Conference is held in
Arizona.
Canada and Mexico and
becomes law.
development
organizations was
Partnership (PPP) at the
Lukeville Port of Entry by Governor Ducey speaks at the
the San Luis I Port of
Entry. Andrés Manuel López
promoting the production,
transfer and international
Valdéz Montoya and securing funds for the
Obrador’s inauguration
distribution of natural gas.
Bruce Babbitt is developed after the inauguration of the new Consulate of festivities on the Zócalo
delegation visit Arizona to
inaugurated as
• Arizona-Mexico Border Health Arizona-Mexico
Commission's first
construction of two additional
passenger occupancy vehicle
Mexico building in Tucson, Arizona. as her special guest.
strengthen ties. Foundation is established. "Summit on Free Trade. (POV) lanes.
Governor of Arizona.
1969 1979 1989 1999 2009
2019
1964 1995 2003 2010
1974 1985 2017
• Mexico City is struck by Janet Napolitano is
an 8.0 magnitude inaugurated as Governor of • Governor Napolitano
earthquake and the Arizona. is appointed by
Potential Port of Guaymas
Arizona-Mexico President Obama to
transportation systems
networks are presented at the
Commission assists in • The Arizona-Mexico serve as the United
5th Arizona-Sonora Committee relief efforts. Commission Emergency States Secretary of The Arizona-Mexico Commission honors
Conference in Hermosillo, Sonora Governor Carlos Management, Real Estate, Homeland Security.
Board Member Harlan Capin with the
first Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sonora. Armando Biebrich Torres
and delegation attend the • The Arizona-Mexico The State of Arizona Security, and Transportation,
Vesta Club Banquet Commission Environment Legislature
Infrastructure & Ports Janice K. Brewer 2011 Governor Ducey accompanied by
appropriates
in Phoenix, Arizona.
and Water Committees $925,000 for a border
port management pilot
Committees are established. is inaugurated as • The Arizona-Mexico Commission the Phoenix Suns, leads trade
mission to Mexico City.
1975
The Arizona-Mexico
Commission, the
are established. project and initiation • Governor Hull leads her Governor of Arizona. Energy Committee is established. Governor Ducey hosts Martha
Comisión Sonora-Arizona The Arizona-Mexico Commission phase of CANAMEX
first trade mission to • Governor Napolitano leads • Governor Ducey hosts Geronimo
Bárcena, Mexico’s Ambassador to
the United States for her first official
and the State of Sinaloa and the Comisión Sonora-Arizona 1986 The Arizona-Mexico multi-state trade
her first trade mission to visit to Arizona.
conduct a joint plenary celebrate 20th Anniversary. Commission and the coalition. Mexico City, meets with Gutierrez, Mexico’s Ambassador
session. • The Arizona-Mexico Comisión
Sonora-Arizona President Ernesto Zedillo. Mexico City, meets with to the United States in Arizona.
An Arizona-Sonora Delegation Commission Sports celebrate • Annual President Vicente Fox.
attends "Arizona-Sonora
Committee is established. 30 Anniversary.
th
Recognition Day" at the New Arizona-Mexico • The Arizona-Mexico
• The University of Arizona York World's Fair.
Courtesy of: Ron White
Commission Paul J. Commission partners with
holds the Arizona-Sonora Fannin Award is the University of Arizona The Arizona-Mexico Commission
International Conference Raúl H. Castro is inaugurated established.
and the Comisión Sonora-Arizona
1965 as Governor of Arizona. to create the Regional celebrate 50th Anniversary. The Arizona-Mexico Commission and the
with its counterpart, the 1996 Economic Indicators
Arizona Department of Transportation prepare
the Arizona-Sonora Border Master Plan.
University of Sonora. Samuel P. Goddard is Governor Ducey
inaugurated as Governor of • The first Report. hosts Chihuahua
During the conference, 2012 Governor Javier
Arizona Governor Paul Arizona. Arizona-Sonora Bowl Governor Napolitano
Corral in Arizona for
his first official visit
hosts President Fox of The Arizona-Mexico Commission hosts a
Fannin and Sonora Football Game is Mexico for a visit in delegation from the State of Sinaloa.
to Arizona.
Governor Alvaro Obregon • The Arizona-Mexico West Coast The Arizona-Mexico
played in conjunction Arizona.
Courtesy of: Arizona State
Trade Commission appoints a with Super Bowl XXX. Arizona and Sonora hold
created the • The Arizona-Mexico Commission
Commission publishes first University
newsletter “The Cronista” Binational Weapons of
Arizona-Mexico West Ladies Committee led by Mrs. Kelso. - subscriptions were sold Sonora defeated Mass Destruction
for $15/year. Community and Social
Coast Trade Commission Arizona. Exercise in Nogales,
Arizona. Organizations Committee is
and the Comité de 1987 established.
Promoción Economica y
1997 The Arizona-Mexico
2004 Transportation and Trade Corridor
Evan Mecham is inaugurated as Commission and the Comisión Alliance is established. Partners
Social Sonora-Arizona. The Arizona-Mexico Commission Governor of Arizona.
Sonora-Arizona celebrate
40th Anniversary. • The State of Arizona conducts a trade included, the Arizona-Mexico
Commission, Arizona Commerce
• Unified Cargo Processing program
publishes its first bi-monthly bulletin.
mission to Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. Authority, Arizona Office of Tourism, is expanded to the ports of entry in
and the Arizona Department of
Douglas and San Luis, Arizona.
• The Arizona-Mexico Commission Transportation.
The Arizona-Mexico
Commission partners
co-sponsors the air-drop of 5,000 2014 • The State of Arizona and the State
with Arizona
Chamber of
ping-pong balls over Hermosillo, Sonora as of Sonora sign MOU to promote the Commerce &
a goodwill gesture and trade promotion establishment of the “Home Port”
Industry and the
Arizona Chamber
for Arizona. Stuffed into 1,000 balls were • The Arizona-Mexico Commission Mining Committee is established. Governor Napolitano and
Sonora Governor Eduardo Bours project in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora.
Foundation to
publish
gift certificates for many businesses in Joint tourism promotion
project named, “Kinoland” Jane Dee Hull is inaugurated as Governor of Arizona. tour the Port of Guaymas “The USMCA & Its
Governor Goddard issues a
Arizona valued at $12,000. The outside of is developed to promote
• Arizona Department of
Impact on Arizona.”
proclamation honoring the
The City of Phoenix
each ball read, “Para Sonora, Con Saludos both states under one 1998 2006
distributes a Mexican
Arizona-Mexico destination. The project Transportation establishes the The Arizona-Mexico
Fiesta De Amigos Days. visitor survey.
- Raúl H. Castro, Gobernador de Arizona.” Border Health was named after Father
• The Arizona-Mexico Commission Border Liaison Unit to foster better
Foundation begins to Kino.
advocates for the designation of the U.S.
• Arizona’s Border Vision 2015 is created to provide an The State of Arizona Trade Office Commission and
publish "Vecinos" to
advocacy timeline to secure funding for Arizona opens in Mexico City. communications with industry and the Comisión
inform health
Consulate in Hermosillo as a U.S. Consulate the border communities.
professionals and the
public on issues General and for the establishment of a U.S.
infrastructure projects. • The Transportation and Trade Corridor Sonora-Arizona
affecting the region.
Consulate in Nogales, Sonora, making Alliance completes the Roadmap; Arizona's celebrate 60th
Sonora the only state in all of Mexico with
• Arizona-Sonora 511 Travel and Transportation System Path to Global Market Expansion to help Anniversary.
1988 Initiative is implemented. facilitate trade.
two consulates.
Rose Mofford is inaugurated
as Governor of Arizona. • The U.S. Consulate General Office in
Nogales, Sonora is opened.Q&A WITH ARIZONA
GOVERNOR DUCEY
In this exclusive interview, Governor Doug Ducey discusses his role as chair of the
Arizona-Mexico Commission and why Arizona’s relationship with Mexico is important to
the state.
QUESTION Governor, what are your duties as the chair a leadership organization for solutions.
of the Arizona-Mexico Commission?
Q What are the top trade opportunities between
ANSWERMy duties as the chair of the Arizona-Mexico Arizona and Mexico in the next few years?
Commission are to make sure that we've got the right
AI would begin with our trade relationship and I would
people in the room so that we can best advocate for this
start with the USMCA. I'm someone who is a huge fan of
most valued relationship that Arizona has with our
this idea. I believe in free trade and if this is how we're
number one trading partner, Mexico. It's a position and
going to define free and fair trade. I want to make sure
responsibility I embrace as governor.
that Congress gets this ratified. I think another reason
Q Why do you think the work the Arizona-Mexico that the USMCA is so important is not only do we want
Commission does is important for Arizona? to protect the agricultural relationship that we have with
Mexico right now along with the manufacturing
A First, I don't think it can be stated enough that the
relationship, but it's really these ideas of the future. It's
work the Arizona-Mexico Commission does builds Governors Ducey and Pavlovich co-host the NGA North American Summit in Phoenix, Arizona in May 2018
“
what's coming that we can't see. We've seen how the
relationships across the border with areas of influence
economy has been transformed over the past ten years;
across the sphere—public sector, private sector and
I think it's only going to change exponentially going
education. I come at it, first and foremost, from a believe vice versa. It shows the work ethic and the
forward.
commerce perspective because Mexico is our largest relationship that has been built by people that came I want to make sure that
trading partner. I think it’s important that we maintain Q Why is it important for Arizona to focus on long before I came into this office and it's something
that relationship, but also build on it—focusing on the maintaining and continuously build a relationship with that Governor Pavlovich and I both want to see outlive
Congress gets (the USMCA) ratified.
things we can do together, like making sure that Mexico? our administrations. We think that this type of We've seen how the economy has
commerce can flow more freely across the border, what A Arizona should continually focus on its largest relationship, this type of spirit and partnership and
we've done with Unified Cargo Processing, tourism, joint opportunities and its best friends and partners. I mean, friendship that we've seen over the past four years is been transformed over the past ten
law enforcement efforts and more. All of these issues you can always do more with the relationships that you the way that it should be for the next 60 years and
are real issues for both myself and Governor Claudia already have and that are existing. We have an beyond. years; I think it's only going to change
Pavlovich and the Arizona-Mexico Commission has been incredible relationship with the nation of Mexico and an
incredible relationship with Sonora, which is beginning to
Q What is your top priority regarding our relationship exponentially going forward.
with Mexico for 2019?
grow with other states in Mexico. It is one where I think ARIZONA GOVERNOR DOUG DUCEY
Arizona is the lead advocate, the ambassador state, for A My top priority with Mexico every year is to build on
what can be done when you have the leader-to-leader the relationship. We're seeing our economy boom here
relationships. in the state of Arizona. We're seeing our population QIs there anything else you'd like to mention about the
grow at record numbers and that provides opportunity Arizona-Mexico Commission?
Q The Arizona-Mexico Commission is celebrating its for all of our citizens, and the relationship that we have
60th anniversary, what has been its biggest A I just want to say one of the things I'm most proud of
with Mexico brings jobs to the state of Arizona, it brings
achievement in the last 60 years? companies that relocate to the state of Arizona outside as governor is what we've been able to do with the
of our urban core. So, it's something that's really Arizona-Mexico Commission over the last four years. I
AFirst, I want to say happy anniversary. It is something
to be celebrating the 60th anniversary of the benefited the state of Arizona and I think if we take care think it's not only been reset, it's been refreshed and
Arizona-Mexico Commission. And if I had to pick one of the relationship leader-to-leader, we make sure that recharged for the future and I think everyone in Arizona
Chihuahua Governor Javier Corral Jurado meets with Arizona single accomplishment, I think that would be very we have the proper delegations of influencers and knows what's possible with this positive and productive
Governor Doug Ducey during a state visit to Arizona in March difficult to do. I would actually point to the totality of the decision makers, we make sure we have the education relationship we have with the nation of Mexico and the
2019. relationship and how our economy is fundamentally exchange opportunities, that will maintain the state of Sonora. And I think the future has never been
dependent on the Sonora and Mexico economies and I relationship, that will help us weather whatever storm. brighter.
18| SUMMER VECINOS |1 9Mariposa Port of Entry, courtesy of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection
In addition to freight mobility, ADOT is integral to the
ability of travelers from Mexico to enjoy Arizona
excursions with ease, and for Arizona-based
vacationers to head south to enjoy a weekend of sun
and surf in Mexico safely and hassle-free.
Arizona is working to ease the overall travel process for
travelers who want to visit destinations like Puerto
Peñasco, the location for the soon-to-be-christened
cruise line port.
The inaugural Cruise & Maritime Voyages cruise will set
sail this December and create new economic
development opportunities for commuter towns along
the way to welcome travelers stopping in to eat, fuel up,
and rest up.
IMPROVEMENTS AT PORTS OF ENTRY FACILITATE
SMOOTHERTRADETOURISMFLOWS
In Nogales, San Luis, and Douglas, Arizona’s ports of
entry have been experiencing longer crossing wait
times, higher numbers of trucks, and bigger flows of
people coming to Arizona for work and shopping on
Arizona’s side of the border.
TRANSPORTATION
well-planned, well-built, safe transportation system. companies that provide services to those companies,”
said Tom Hermann, a representative for ADOT. “It also To handle these larger volumes of trade and traffic,
Without robust roads and highways, and
could make the Tucson International Airport region state and local officials are asking federal lawmakers to
& TRADE ON THE
well-maintained routes for trucks and trailers and
even more attractive to companies from international invest more heavily into the infrastructure at these ports
travelers, the Arizona-Mexico border risks being known
commerce and others along both Interstate 19 and of entry like the ones in San Luis.
more for congestion and frustration than facilitation.
BORDER The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is
the state agency essential to strengthening this
Interstate 10. And it would benefit companies already in
the Tucson area by reducing congestion on I-10 around
In President Trump’s budget outline for 2020, the
administration proposed $248 million be invested in
downtown Tucson.” modernizing and expanding the port of entry in San Luis.
There’s a lot going on at the border with walls and infrastructure link to Mexico.
migrants and long wait times and tomatoes. While those
The agency, in collaboration with the Arizona-Mexico
issues are headline-grabbing, Arizona’s ports of entry
and transportation routes are busy, expanding and flying Commission and additional stakeholders, has been Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge in Yuma, Arizona
in under the radar. From budgets to borders, trade setting plans in motion for some time to develop more
partners to trade routes, here’s a brief look at what’s ports of entry, build new connector roads, and enhance
going on down south. the overall freight movement in the state.
ADOT is currently in the environmental review phase of
BY NICK ESQUER a long, multi-step process for a development known as
F
the Sonoran Corridor. The project will completely redo
rom Arizona’s border region to the entire transportation landscape of southern Arizona
Washington, D.C, elected officials, for not only freight traffic, but everyday drivers as well.
business leaders, and vocal supporters are The project looks to add more routes and roads to the
promoting Arizona’s efforts to advance booming area and brings with it more jobs and a positive
trade, commerce and stronger economic impact.
relationships with Mexico.
“This could provide an economic boost in several ways.
The Arizona-Mexico cross-border trade and tourism Companies that benefit from access to the airport and a
|3
relationship cannot reach its full potential without a new freeway would be attracted to the area, as would
SUMMER 2019
20 | SUMMER VECINOS |21The president’s proposal has garnered support from ship through Texas to consider entering at Nogales.
officials in Yuma County like San Luis Mayor Gerardo
The improvements at the Mariposa Port of Entry in
Sanchez who is working to ensure the budget item
Nogales would boost trade between Arizona and
survives the lengthy congressional appropriations
Mexico and help the exporters on the other side of the
process.
border cut down on shipping costs.
“We estimate that 70 percent of our sales tax revenue “We’re trying to keep the existing flow of cucumbers,
is directly attributable to our Mexican visitors and our tomatoes, bell peppers going. But we’re also wanting to
experience has shown us that the number one deterrent bring in more grapes, berries, and avocados. If you can
to crossing the border is border wait times,” Mayor
Sanchez wrote in a letter to Arizona U.S. Sen. Kyrsten
Sinema (D) and Sen. Martha McSally (R). The letter urged
both of them to work with their colleagues in Congress
to make sure the money is approved this year.
More than 2.5 million pedestrians pass through the San
Luis port each year, making it the second-busiest
non-commercial port in Arizona. Last October, the port
of entry unveiled a series of renovations that cost $6 Historic Gadsden Hotel in Douglas, Arizona
million and included new technology in a new building to
analyze images taken by cameras that Customs and
Border Protection officers review along with travelers’ offer that to a producer in Mexico who is shipping to Sonora side. However, the City of Douglas, along with
documents. Altogether, 165 new cameras were installed Texas, then that would boost their efficiency,” border stakeholders are advocating for a two-port solution that
affairs consultant Luis Ramirez said. “Over the last 10 will take all truck traffic out of the downtown areas on
in the new building.
years, or so, we have put a focus on improving ports of both Douglas and Agua Prieta and relocate it to a new
In Nogales, a $700,000 investment will be made at the Border mayors discuss investment, job creation, and business entries, especially in terms of federal highway structure. state of the art facility to the west.”
Mariposa Port of Entry as part of the FY20 state budget. opportunities on a panel at the Arizona-Mexico Commission We’re really invested in our highways and ports of
Currently, semi-trucks that cross through the middle of
The refrigerated docks will support inspection Summit in Tucson in June 2018. entry.”
the border town usually carry a mix of dry goods and
processes of imported fresh produce and will
Last year, Governor Ducey announced the investment fresh produce, but can also bring in hazardous materials.
encourage Mexican export companies that currently
of $134 million to expand State Route (SR) 189, which A new port of entry would separate risky materials from
connects the Mariposa Port of Entry to I-19. This those that come in contact with the general public and
investment will help improve the flow of north and redirect commercial traffic away from the city. The
southbound traffic and relieve congestion issues in existing port of entry would be assigned to
Nogales. non-commercial traffic, which would increase pedestrian
flow as well as car and bus movement through the
“The expansion of SR-189 is critical for the
downtown facility.
ever-increasing flow of commerce through the Mariposa
Port of Entry,” said Juan Ciscomani, Vice Chair of the Ramirez described a modernization process behind
Arizona-Mexico Commission. “The expansion of SR-189 updating highways, including the I-10, I-17, and other
addresses traffic issues in this community, while high-speed connectors with better pavement, as well as
increasing efficiency for commercial drivers traveling new bypasses around major metropolitan areas,
through Arizona’s largest port of entry.” including Guadalajara, Tepic, Mazatlán, Culiacán, Ciudad
Obregón and Hermosillo.
In Douglas, Mayor Robert Uribe has been touting growth
and development at and around the border city’s Raúl H. Investment along the Sonoran Corridor is forecasted to
Castro Port of Entry. According to Uribe, the port is save trucks at least four hours on the road and maybe
obsolete, encumbered, and heavily congested. even up to 18 hours between Mexico City and Arizona.
“The port requires a significant modernization to “This makes the corridor more effective, more
address current and future needs of the community, competitive and a better location decision for
trade, commerce, security, and tourism,” Uribe said. companies that want to expand their business
San Luis I Port of Entry
“The port is landlocked, particularly on the Agua Prieta, interests,” Ramirez said.
22| SUMMER VECINOS |23G U E S T C O M M E N TA RY
CANAMEX Trade Corridor: The
Arizona Department of Transportation
Today, Governors Ducey and Pavlovich have reenergized
spearheaded efforts to develop the
CANAMEX Trade Corridor through
the concept of the Vision and have set the region on a
sparked statewide attention and the mountain west portion of North
America. A key project under this
eventually, Arizona State University new, more ambitious path that will help position the
(ASU) and the Morrison Institute initiative was the construction of a
joined forces with the UA to bridge across the Colorado River.
region as an economic powerhouse in North America and
develop a statewide NAFTA The Two Nation Destination: The
initiative, organizing two statewide Arizona and Sonora Offices of beyond.
summit meetings with participation Tourism joined forces to market the
from key stakeholders.
region as an international tourism
Two initiatives emerged. The first destination by promoting tourism
was the creation of the Summit Six, assets in both states such as the
Entry. Today, we look forward to the time and its success is
a coalition led by the AMC to Grand Canyon and beaches along
modernization of the San Luis I Port demonstrated in the dramatic
coordinate statewide NAFTA the Sea of Cortez.
of Entry and expansion of SR-189 in increases in trade, business, tourism
efforts. The second initiative was and innovation. Today, Governors
Kozolchyk National Law Center: Nogales, both critical to our trade
the outline of a strategic plan Ducey and Pavlovich have
The Center was established to growth.
focused on initiatives that would reenergized the concept of the
harmonize banking and trade laws,
THE ARIZONA-SONORA
have a lasting impact on the region. Vision and have set the region on a
regulations and practices among Nogales Cyberport Study: The
A group of researchers from eight countries in North and South University Consortium recommended new, more ambitious path that will
higher education institutions in America. deploying leading-edge technology help position the region as an
REGION—AN ECONOMIC Arizona and Sonora formed the
University Consortium to develop
Port of Entry Improvements: Major
infrastructure improvements to
at the ports of entry, and early
adoption by the Tucson Field Office
economic powerhouse in North
America and beyond.
POWERHOUSE
this plan through a series of studies of Customs and Border Protection
Arizona’s ports of entry, supported Gail Lewis is the Director of P3 initiatives and
examining the economic dynamics has paved the way for Arizona to Senior Advisor for International Affairs at the
by innovative process enhancements,
of the region. What resulted was a become a leader in the use of these Arizona Department of Transportation and
have helped drive major increases in Bruce Wright is an Arizona-Mexico Commission
Gail Lewis, Director of P3 initiatives and Senior Advisor for International list of proposed projects designed technologies.
trade, including: the modernization Board Member.
Affairs at ADOT, and Bruce Wright, Arizona-Mexico Commission Board to advance the development of
of the Mariposa Port of Entry and The Arizona-Sonora Strategic Economic
Member, discuss the Arizona-Sonora Strategic Economic Vision. Arizona and Sonora as a binational
region. the construction of San Luis II Port of Vision has withstood the test of
With the support of Governors
BY GAIL LEWIS AND BRUCE WRIGHT
Symington and Beltrones, AMC and Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge at the Hoover Dam, courtesy of Jim Vallee/Shuerstock.com
CSA began implementing the
Arizona-Sonora Strategic Economic
T
Vision, with three key principles: (1)
he Arizona-Mexico Commission cooperation in mind, in 1992 a group building on the long-standing ties
(AMC) and the Comisión of Tucson business leaders asked and relationships between Arizona
Sonora-Arizona (CSA) have the University of Arizona (UA) to and Sonora, (2) taking advantage of
been the prime stewards of assess the impact of the North the region’s strategic geographic
Arizona Governor Paul American Free Trade Agreement location along major trade corridors
Fannin’s vision for an enduring (NAFTA) on Arizona and to explore in North American and (3) exploiting
partnership of cross-border ways that Southern Arizona could the complementarities among key
cooperation and collaboration prosper within the emerging North industry clusters and institutions in
between Arizona and Sonora. The American economy. In response, the two states.
relationship that has emerged is the Organization for Free Trade and The Vision sparked game-changing
unique and is a model for Development (OFTD) was founded results for Arizona that have
transborder cooperation worldwide.
to guide this effort led by former transformed the Arizona-Mexico
With that spirit of cross-border Congressman Jim Kolbe. The effort relationship, including:
24| SUMMER VECINOS |25You can also read
