Stanton Opens Hermosillo Trade Office Tonight

<div class="ExternalClass36AB5514742B482B97B6C9AD25D501D0"><div>HERMOSILLO, SONORA, MEXICO – Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton is leading a business delegation to formally open the second Phoenix-Mexico trade office tonight in Hermosillo, Sonora. Phoenix is expanding global trade footprint opens in a sister city where dozens of Phoenix-based manufacturing firms ship nearly half of all Arizona’s exports.</div><div><br></div><div>“Many of our export businesses ship precision-manufactured parts and advanced electronic components to the automotive and aerospace assembly centers in Sonora,” Stanton said. “With this trade office, Phoenix is able to directly connect our businesses to partners or buyers in the Sonoran region. This office will help our businesses meet vendors and seek out foreign-direct investment in Arizona.”</div><div><br></div><div>The Arizona-Sonora megaregion is the fourth-largest aerospace manufacturing and supply chain in the world, according to analysis from the Arizona Commerce Authority. The cross-border megaregion thrives because of the North American Free Trade Agreement and its rules permitting the tariff-free movement of raw materials, parts and finished goods in both directions.</div><div><br></div><div>“The Arizona and Sonoran economies are closely aligned, so solidifying trade relationships with Mexico is vital to our mutual success,” said Stanton, who is leading his 18th trade mission south of the border since taking office. “Our offices in Mexico City and now Sonora play to our strengths -- the innovation and quality of products and services from Arizona, and the business and family relationships in both countries.”</div><div><br></div><div>The trade office opens with a ceremony starting at 7:30 p.m. Arizona time featuring Phoenix Councilman Michael Nowakowski, Hermosillo Mayor Maloro Acosta, Sonoran political and business leaders, educators and a delegation of 20 from the Phoenix business, manufacturing, multi-cultural and technology communities. U.S. General Consul for Hermosillo, Karen Ogle, is also attending.</div><div><br></div><div>Trade between Arizona and Mexico amounts to more than 6 percent of the state’s gross domestic product, and the Phoenix metro accounts for almost 80 percent of the state’s economy. The data from the U.S. Census Bureau show that increased with Mexico since 2012 is equal to nearly three-quarters of the State’s five-year economic growth.</div><div><br></div><div style="text-align:center;"></div><div style="text-align:center;"><strong>--30--</strong></div></div>

3/28/2017 8:10:00 PM

Robbie Sherwood - 480-246-7944

Eric J. Toll

602-617-3797