International leaders learning more about Arizona’s economy

Business and political leaders from 24 countries are in Arizona learning more about the state’s economy.

It’s called the Americas Competitiveness Exchange. Countries from North, Central and South America as well as Europe and Asia will be represented during the week-long tour. It began Sunday with a visit to the Grand Canyon. Tour participants are in the Phoenix-area Monday to tour Arizona State University. From there they will visit the University of Arizona in Tucson on Tuesday and the Yuma Agricultural Center Wednesday before wrapping up the tour Saturday in San Diego, California.

“It’s an opportunity for these leaders to learn about some of the things that we’re doing in Arizona that they can take back to their home countries,” said Susan Marie, marketing and communications director for the Arizona Commerce Authority.

During the tour, officials from countries like Argentina, Brazil and South Korea will hear from Gov. Doug Ducey and Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. They will also tour the Raytheon Missiles System Facility in Tucson.

“They’ll also get to see the geographic and the economic and the cultural diversity in our state,” Marie said.

It’s the fifth time the Americas Competitiveness Exchange tour has been held and the first time it has taken place in Arizona.

“The program is really designed to facilitate an exchange of best practices, deepen collaboration [and] explore regional partnership for trade and economic development,” Marie said