Let’s make a deal: Arizona working to expand foreign trade
Oct 16, 2015, 10:23 AM
(StockSnap Photo)
PHOENIX — Business leaders and politicians from around Arizona met Thursday to discuss ways to increase the amount of international trade deals being made in the state.
The group met at the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition conference to discuss the state’s economic well-being and how it is impacted by foreign markets.
Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) shared his thoughts and expertise on international trade and foreign relations at the event. He said, in an increasingly competitive global market, Arizonans need to find ways to stay relevant and focus on business deals with developing countries.
“These new markets will present Arizona businesses with plenty of opportunities for increased trade and investment,” Flake said.
Nearly 8,000 companies in Arizona export goods to foreign countries and trade supports about 22 percent of the state’s jobs. Last year, Arizona exported more than $21 billion in goods and services to foreign markets.