GTAZ Welcomes First IVLP Delegates of 2023

In late February, Global Ties AZ welcomed our first International Visitor’s Leadership Program (IVLP) group of 2023. Delegates visiting from Albania, Angola, Australia, Chile, European Union, Israel, Japan, and Malaysia came to explore Trade Policies across the United States. Thanks to all of our partners who helped host our U.S. Trade Policy Delegation, the group received the opportunity to:

• examine current state and local initiatives in international trade and export promotion;

• learn innovative strategies for regional economic development and competitiveness in the global marketplace;

• explore the role of the United States in international trade and the impact of international trade agreements on U.S. business and economy;

• review the U.S. economic system and the domestic economic forces that influence the policy-making process.

Learning about Arizona’s International Trade Policies

U.S. Trade Policy Delegates pictured with CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Danny Seiden

Over the course of four days, the delegation connected with local and state leaders in international trade policy. The group kicked off their experience in Arizona with the internationally-connected CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Danny Seiden, to talk about the impact of international trade agreements on Arizona’s business and economy. They discussed the value of trade agreements in Arizona as the state continues to grow in industries including semiconductors, biotech, etc.

Delegates visit with Claudia Whitehead, representing the City of Phoenix Community and Economic Development

The group transitioned from state to local trade policies with the City of Phoenix Community and Economic Development where they learned about Phoenix’s emerging economy from the city’s strength in high technology, manufacturing, bioscience research and advanced business services.

The group also had the opportunity to attend the Global Chamber’s Semiconductor Supply Chain Summit 2023 hosted by The Thunderbird School of Global Management. The summit explored key challenges and opportunities for the critically important semiconductor industry, emanating from strategic security issues surrounding the global supply chain,  and attended an evening reception at the Japanese Friendship Garden with local leaders and summit attendees.

Delegates meet with Director, Mr. Leandro Solorzano, and International Trade Specialist, Ms. Ruth Soberanes, at the U.S. Commercial Service Phoenix

Delegates meet with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and members of GPEC’s International Leadership Council

The group then joined the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and their International Leadership Council at the GPEC office for a presentation on Phoenix’s growing business development opportunities. Phoenix’s growing industries were highlighted (semiconductors, supply chain, sustainability, start-ups, aerospace, biotech and life sciences) in addition to the Global Growth Accelerator program cofounded by GPEC and ASU that helps international firms accelerate their U.S. growth plans by providing a low-risk, expert guided, soft landing platform to do business. A roundtable discussion then followed to talk about international trade and business opportunities that Phoenix has to offer.

Pictured with Jennifer Stein, Director of Economic Development and Susana Trasente, Project Manager, of The City of Peoria

To complete their stay in Arizona, Peoria AZ Economic Development Director, Jennifer Stein and Project Manager, Susana Trasente, hosted the group for a Spring Training Baseball Game at the Peoria Sports Complex to watch the Diamondbacks take on the L.A. Padres.

Delegates pictured above as they meet Peoria Mayor, Jason Beck

Arizona’s Nature and People

Delegates enjoyed a beautiful day in Sedona

We couldn’t let participants visit Arizona without exploring some of Arizona’s beautiful nature. The group enjoyed a full sunny day up in the red rocks of Sedona and reported having a wonderful time!

Not only do we want delegates to explore Arizona’s nature, but also get to know Arizona’s people. Home Hospitality Hosts, Beth and Gary Crandell, kindly hosted dinner in their home to “break bread” with our delegates as citizen diplomats who were excited to exchange culture, ideas, food and everyday conversation.

Pictured with Home Hospitality Hosts, Beth and Gary Crandell. If you’re interested in becoming a Home Hospitality Host, click here.