Arizona-Sonora economic forum focuses on maintaining strong relationship

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - The Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held the Arizona-Sonora Economic Forum with Governor Katie Hobbs and Sonoran Governor Alfonso Durazo.

Arizona and Sonora’s economies are tied together, and governors Hobbs and Durazo stressed the importance of maintaining and improving communication and collaboration between their states.

When it comes to economic development in Arizona and Sonora, the two states rely on each other for trade, commerce, infrastructure and tourism.

However, Governor Hobbs expressed concern over how the current trade war could threaten the progress made so far.

“The uncertainty coming from Washington just underscores how important these conversations are and how important the Arizona-Mexico relationship is,” Hobbs said.

The Pima County Board of Supervisors Chairman Rex Scott of District 1 was also concerned about how current tensions could impact relations, especially in Pima County.

“The historic ties between Pima County and the people of the state of Sonora not only need to be strengthened, but we need to be looking at new ways of connecting with each other,” Scott said.

Mayors from across southern Arizona attended the forum, including Tucson Mayor Regina Romero.

“We’re happy to hear that we align on our economic development goals,” Romero said. “And that both governors are still very interested in working with each other.”

Governor Durazo stressed that the two states are equal in many ways, and when they’re not, their different strengths compliment one another.

Especially when it comes to clean energy, as Hobbs emphasized Arizona emerging as the semiconductor hub for the United States.

Adding that they wouldn’t be able to do so without Sonora - Durazo agreed if the two states continue working closely together, they can both reach their goal of more clean energy opportunities.

Romero is hopeful for what that will mean for her city.

“Tucson is right in the middle,” Romero said. “And so, we should be a supply chain – you know, mega center.”

While the forum has ended, Hobbs stressed conversations are far from over, with the Arizona-Mexico Commission 2025 Summit set to take place this summer.

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