The members of the Arizona State House International Trade Committee, has unanimously adopted a plan for conducting international trade during the committee’s first official meeting this week at the State Capitol.
According to State Representative David Cook, Chairman of the House International Trade Committee, the plan’s objectives are to strengthen bilateral ties with existing international partners, attract more foreign direct investment to Arizona and extend Arizona’s international reach for enhanced captured value to sustain a robust growing economy. The plan envisions the enactment of trade missions to travel and connect with international partners and reach consensus on the establishment of Arizona international trade offices in those respective destinations.
Countries in mind for where this plan can be implemented include Canada, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Romania, and Mexico. The Arizona Commerce Authority currently operates trade offices in Mexico, Israel, and Germany. Additional offices in South Korea and Taiwan are expected to open in the near future.
“I am excited about the International Trade plan that has been approved by the committee members,” added Representative Cook. “In this plan, we are looking at extending Arizona’s international reach by boosting trading ties with partners such as those in Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Romania and the UK and the possibility of establishing trade offices in those regions. International trade offices are a key tool for Arizona to sustain its expanding economy and make Arizona an international hub.”
The International Trade plan is the result of extensive stakeholder meetings with organizations whose expertise provide insights and data driven decision-making for committee members. Stakeholder organizations have included the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, the Arizona Commerce Authority, the Greater Phoenix Leadership, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations. Additional stakeholder organizations will be included as the committee moves forward.
The seven-member bipartisan International Trade Committee was established in February to help the state grow its international presence and stature, build relationships with international partners, enhance trade and foreign investment, and strengthen border security. The committee is responsible for organizing visits of international dignitaries to the state and to identify and work with outside organizations to strengthen Arizona’s relationships.
In addition to Cook, committee members include Representatives Justin Wilmeth (Vice Chair), Leo Biasiucci, Tim Dunn, Melody Hernandez, Mariana Sandoval, Stephanie Stahl-Hamilton.