Gov. Ducey and Gov. Pavlovich sign cross-border agreements

Last week, Governor Doug Ducey co-signed three Memoranda of Understanding with Sonora Governor Claudia Pavlovich at the Comisión Sonora-Arizona/Arizona-Mexico Commission 2018 Annual Meeting Plenary Session in Hermosillo, Sonora.

The signed agreements aim to support economic development in the region, coordinate emergency services between the two states and expand current youth education programs.

“Our region is safer and more prosperous because of collaboration between Arizona and Sonora, our deep history of collaboration has resulted in valuable cross-border initiatives that contribute to the quality of life for people in both states,” said Governor Ducey. “I am proud to come together with Governor Pavlovich to continue strengthening the Arizona-Mexico connection through these joint agreements that support cross-border commerce, increase safety across our region and expand STEM education programs.”

The first agreement was Coordinated Emergency Services, which will establish improved emergency practices and collaboration between Arizona and Sonora. This includes the coordination of ambulance transfers, the implementation of more transparent training services within the medical service industry, and the promotion of medical practices to the general population.

Secondly, Gov. Ducey and Gov. Pavlovich co-signed the Commercial Safety Corridor agreement, which establishes a Commercial Safety Logistics Corridor along MX15 between Nogales and Guaymas. This will help coordinate services such as increased patrol for more immediate emergency responses and improved information for commercial truck drivers along MX15.

Lastly, the two governors implemented the Chief Sciences Officer Program, an extension of a current program that promotes cross-border youth participation in science, technology, education, and math (STEM). Moreover, this develops communication between children in both states, allowing for more collaboration and innovation in growing educational fields.

The Annual Meeting was followed by a trip to Mexico City led by Governor Ducey, where he attended the inauguration of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, met with business leaders and officials from the new federal administration, including Mexico’s new Ambassador to the U.S. Martha Bárcena, Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard, and Under Secretary for North America Jesús Seade.