The state of Arizona is reinstating a position based in Hermosillo, Sonora, to promote cross-border trade. The new director of trade and investment will help Arizona companies build business in Mexico for the Arizona-Mexico Commission and the Arizona Commerce Authority.

Ignacio Escalante

Budget cuts and the recession forced the state to cut the position back in 2008. But it’s back now, and Ignacio Escalante will take the job. Escalante was involved in the 2005 expansion of the Ford assembly plant in Hermosillo. Governor Jan Brewer’s spokesman, Matt Benson says understanding the culture in both countries is important.

"Obviously, the way you do business in Arizona is not exactly the way you do business in Sonora," Benson said. "So it’s important to have someone who understands how business operates on both sides of the border to help those businesses get through the process."

Mexico is Arizona’s top trading partner, accounting for $6 billion worth of exports last year. Business leaders and planners across the state are looking for ways to boost trade as the economy improves.