Global Advantage Partnership Promotes Arizona-Sonora Region

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May 1, 2014

Governor Jan Brewer and Sonora Governor Guillermo Padres announced in February a new partnership to recruit technology companies from around the world to do business in the Arizona-Sonora region. Global Advantage - a collaboration between the University of Arizona Tech Parks and the Offshore Group-underscores the governors' commitment to enhancing job growth and global competitiveness near the border.

"If Arizona is to remain competitive in the global economy, it is crucial that we continue to seek and support productive international partnerships," said Arizona Governor Jan Brewer. "This venture will foster economic development and create jobs for Arizona and Sonora while attracting business investment worldwide. It is a perfect example of the regional opportunities on which Arizona and Sonora should continue to capitalize."

The partnership will leverage the benefits and assets of the border region while offering Sonora Governor Guillermo Padres international companies a competitive and attractive location in which to do business. Global Advantage will allow companies to conduct advanced research and development at Tech Parks Arizona and provide high-tech manufacturing capabilities, administrative and support services and access to a skilled work force at one of the Offshore Group's facilities in Sonora. By capitalizing on the expertise and core competencies of both organizations - which combined offer nearly 50 years of business experience - Global Advantage will help secure long-term economic opportunity and prosperity for both Arizona and Sonora.

"This partnership enables Arizona and Sonora to become a single region, working together not as two separate states, or countries, This partnership enables Arizona and Sonora to become a single region, working together not as two separate states, or countries, but as a single, unified economic region," said Sonora Governor Guillermo Padres. "Sonora and Arizona's cooperative relationship has been and will continue to be a model example of collaboration among the entire border region that greatly benefits the citizens of both states."

Global Advantage has received significant attention from international organizations in Israel, Korea and Europe. Recently, the Global Advantage team traveled to Israel to present and promote this partnership to Israeli government officials, business and trade organizations and high-tech companies. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with several Israeli companies expressing a strong interest in expanding to the US market.

At the Arizona-Mexico Commission's Plenary Session in Hermosillo, Sonora, earlier this year, Governor Brewer and Governor Padres announced plans to capitalize on this interest and drive these companies to the Arizona-Sonora region. Later this year, the governors will lead a business and trade mission to Israel to meet with companies looking to become Global Advantage clients, with the ultimate goal of boosting international ties and enhancing the long-term economic competitiveness of both states.

Israel is widely regarded as one of the world's leading centers of technology innovation and the source of a large number of technology companies interested in entering the North American market.