news and updates

Gov. Doug Ducey is optimistic that trade between Arizona and Mexico will increase, despite the immigration crisis at Arizona's border.

At a question and answer session Tuesday, alongside former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl, he told members of the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations that the discussion first needs to shift from Arizona's southern border to Mexico's southern border.

"So much of this crisis is because of what's happening in Central and South America, and these are things we're going to need to engage in or we're never really going to be able to solve or mitigate this solution at the border," he said.

When Mexico focuses on its own border, Ducey continued, U.S. and Mexican leaders should put politics aside and support each other with open communication and cooperation.

He said he sees the value of trade between the two countries as a strong incentive toward peace and prosperity.

Howie Fischer of Capitol Media Services was there at the meeting and joined The Show to talk about it.

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Governor Doug Ducey and former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl discussed Arizona’s international trade relationships at the 14th Annual International State of the State yesterday.

“The responsible and sustainable growth in Arizona doesn’t just have its roots locally, it’s international,” Gov. Ducey said.

He said two-way trade between Arizona and Mexico for 2018 increased 7.7 percent totaling $16.6 billion, and Arizona’s two-way trade with Canada increased 2.4 percent.

“Arizona is proud to have exported over $22 billion dollars in goods all around the world last year,” he said.

Building and maintaining strong relationships with the nation’s neighbors in Canada and Mexico impacts the economy, but it goes beyond that.

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We are pleased to announce the release of our 2017-2018 PCFR Annual Report. This report is available in a downloadable digitized format. We hope you like it, and are always happy to hear your feedback. Download PDF. 

Phoenix, Arizona, February 14th, 2018

On February 20th, 2018, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey and the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations are hosting Arizona’s International State of the State, a dinner meeting with a panel consisting of Arizona’s Governor Doug Ducey, Canadian Ambassador DavidMacNaughton, and Mexico’s Undersecretary for North America Carlos Sada at the Omni Scottsdale Resort at Montelucia to discuss business and trade related issues between the Countries, the State of Arizona, and the United States.

It is a rare opportunity to see NAFTA Leaders at this level meet and openly discuss the benefits and challenges confronting the member countries as we move into the coming year. The panel will discuss opportunities and challenges facing North America and the international community. The Governor's International State of the State offers a unique opportunity to connect with Arizona's industry leaders while learning from experts in global business and relations. A wide variety of political and business leaders will be in attendance and Sponsors include APS, SRP, Snell & Wilmer, the Arizona-Mexico Commission as well as Arizona State University, Freeport McMoRan, Isagenix, Wallace and Plese + Dreher.

Given the high demand, only a handful of sponsorship opportunities and table purchases remain but time is limited to purchase the remaining spots. To learn more about event sponsorship or purchasing a table click here . 

The Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan, membership organization, dedicated to positioning metro Phoenix as a major regional, international policy center. Composed of community leaders, PCFR’s goal is to assist our members in adapting to a rapidly changing world. 

The Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations is responsible for this Press Release, and inquiries regarding the Committee or this Press Release can be made to James Arrowood, Public Relations Chair, at james@arrowoodattorneys.com

A retired Air Force general who served as the NATO Supreme Allied Commander in Europe said he’s confident the F-35 program will overcome its “initial issues,” shortly after the Pentagon announced a new glitch with the aircraft’s production Wednesday

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The connection between women’s economic participation and prosperity is undeniable. CFR Fellows Gayle Tzemach Lemmon and Rachel Vogelstein recently released a new Women and Foreign Policy Program report on this topic entitled, Building Inclusive Economies: How Women’s Economic Advancement Promotes Sustainable Growth. To discuss the growth potential presented by women’s economic advancement, they were joined by Laura Tyson, director of the Institute for Business and Social Impact at the University of California Berkley’s Haas School of Business.

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The 2017 International State of the State Luncheon will be held at the Sheraton Grand Phoenix on May 4th. Governor Doug Ducey will speak at the conference, which covers the themes of international economic, business and political engagement between Arizona and the world. Former Arizona Senator Jon Kyl and local attorney James Arrowood will talk about how Arizona is faring in a global economy that is seeing major changes.

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Thank you Ambassador Sada Solana for making it a great night!

 Click Here to See Pictures From the Event!

FREEPORT IN PERU: TWENTY YEARS AND GOING STRONG

Harry M. (Red) Conger, President and Chief Operating Officer, Freeport-McMoRan Americas and Africa Mining 

Key Points:

• ·         Mr. Conger presented information about Freeport-McMoRan’s products and global reach, focusing on the copper and molybdenum mine in Cerro Verde, Peru.
• ·         Mr. Conger explained that establishing a successful business abroad requires community development.
• ·         Freeport-McMoRan invested time and resources in Cerro Verde to build strong relationships with the local leadership, government, and community.
• ·         Freeport-McMoRan built trust between the company and locals by investing in the region, public services, entrepreneurs, schools, etc.
• ·          By having a strong relationship with the community, Freeport-McMoRan minimized protests from various local groups, which has allowed the company to operate efficiently.
• ·         Freeport-McMoRan approaches the community as a guest by respecting business and cultural differences, and building towards its goals with the motto “Pride Unites Us.”
• ·         A community development business approach has allowed Freeport-McMoRan to become a welcome and appreciated business in Cero Verde, and has led to additional collaborative and profitable projects.