PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Arizona Technology Council, together with the Arizona District Export Council, today announced that a bill supporting the modernization and strengthening of NAFTA, Senate Concurrent Memorial (SCM) 1016, passed unanimously. The bill has been sent to the office of Secretary of State, to be distributed to the President, Congress, the Arizona Congressional delegation and others. The Arizona Technology Council and the Arizona DEC have long worked towards the preservation of NAFTA as one in five Arizona jobs are linked to trade in goods, and many others are linked to trade in services and international tourism.
“The modernization of NAFTA is imperative to the continued growth and success of our state,” said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO, Arizona Technology Council. “Nearly 40 percent of our trade in 2016, $15.7 billion, was with Mexico, while another $3.8 billion was with Canada. This contributes to an $830 million trade surplus that cannot be replaced and is crucial to Arizona’s economy.”
SCM 1016 urges President Trump to constructively and swiftly negotiate modifications to NAFTA and maintain the trilateral nature that currently exists between Canada, Mexico and the United States. It also asks that Congress ratify and certify the new terms of NAFTA to reduce business uncertainty and maintain the global competitiveness of Arizona's businesses and citizens.
“We hope the Arizona legislature’s unanimous support of this legislation, along with the support shown by the Governor, the Arizona Chamber, and a multitude of organizations representing the interests of Arizona’s agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and tourism industries, sends a clear message to the Arizona congressional delegation regarding the importance of a renegotiated NAFTA to Arizona’s economic vitality,” said Carol Colombo, chair, Trade Policy and Legislative Affairs Committee, Arizona District Export Council.
For more information on the Arizona Technology Council and its Public Policy Committee, including an overview of all of the Council’s public policy positions, please visit https://www.aztechcouncil.org/the-2018-public-policy-guide/.
About the Arizona Technology Council
The Arizona Technology Council is Arizona’s premier trade association for science and technology companies. Recognized as having a diverse professional business community, Council members work towards furthering the advancement of technology in Arizona through leadership, education, legislation and social action. The Council offers numerous events, educational forums and business conferences that bring together leaders, visionaries and community members to make an impact on the technology industry. These interactions contribute to the Council’s culture of growing member businesses and transforming technology in Arizona. To become a member or to learn more about the Arizona Technology Council, please visit www.aztechcouncil.org.
About the Arizona District Export Council
The Arizona District Export Council (DEC) provides local leadership in international trade through its more than 30-member council of international trade veterans and experts, all appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. The District Export Council: Collaborates with Arizona business, public and private sector groups to stimulate economic growth through trade and investment; advocates for a well-informed public and political dialogue about global business in Arizona; prepares Arizona to be a “global ready” State; and, supports the Arizona U.S. Export Assistance Center, a division of the U.S. Commercial Service. To learn more about the Arizona District Export Council, please visit https://www.exportaz.org.
