Arizona gears up for trade

Business America, April 29, 1985 by Beth S. Jarman

Arizona Gears Up For Trade

The growing dependence of Arizona on exports is evidenced by the fact that sales abroad account for more than one-fourth of all cash receipts in the agricultural sectors, as well as one out of every eight manufacturing jobs.

Arizona's international business community has played, and will continue to play, a significant role in developing the local trade picture by increasing awareness of export potential and encouraging producers to expand their mining, agricultural, manufacturing, and service markets abroad. The international community consists of separate organizations within various government structures as well as the total private sector. While no single entity has the total resource base from which to assist with all export functions, cooperation and a team approach has led to a comprehensive network statewide.

The Governor's Office of Economic Planning and Development, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Arizona World Trade Association, and the Arizona District Export Council, along with many other active participants, have developed programs to further enhance market potential through intensive promotion overseas and through education at home. To facilitate trade, these groups sponsor trade shows and missions to countries offering good export potential for Arizona products. The state also coordinates the visits of foreign representatives, and works closely with local banking institutions to promote Arizona as a prime location for foreign investment.

To educate local businessmen about the advantages of exporting, the international community sponsors a variety of seminars, conferences, workshops, international arena, and proposed dealing with a wide range of international business topics. Arizona's educational capabilities are greatly enhanced by the presence of the American Graduate School of International Management, one of the few schools of its kind in the world. A myriad of market assessment and identification studies are also available through which local companies can develop appropriate marketing plans.

All of the pieces are in place to make Arizona a major contender in the international arena, and proposed projects foretell of even greater participation in the future. The state, with the support of the trade community, is looking to establish permament foreign offices in Japan, Mexico, and Europe.

In a move spearheaded by the private sector, Arizona will be the home of a future World Trade Center, serving as a central information clearing-house and coordinating the activities of the major organizations in international business under one roof. Plans are also underway to expand Arizona's foreign trade zone capability to expedite trans-border shipping, and additional twin-plant opportunities are being explored. Aware of the importance of external promotion, the state is planning expanded participation in trade shows and missions, beginning with a mission to West Germany in the fall. The Arizona District Export Council is also organizing trade missions to Canada and Caribbean Basin countries in late 1985. Within the state, awareness of international trade's potential continues to generate greater enthusiasm and involvement. Several cities have created their own international trade specialist positions, and the chambers of commerce are expanding their scope to include export assistance.

Arizona's commitment to international trade is a long-term one and our future plans are ambitious. However, to keep Arizona in the middle of the international marketplace, these commitments are necessary. The state's resources and the cooperative efforts of the various players towards a common goal are strong enough to see us reach our objectives.

Photo: This dispensary and water systems in Donguila, Gabon, are powered by a photovoltaic array, exported by Solavolt International of Phoenix. Photovoltaics takes light from the sun and converts it directly to electricity.