PHOENIX, AZ (March 27, 2026) – Amid record international investment and trade, Arizona welcomed leaders from around the world for the 21st Annual International State of the State on March 26. 

Highlighting Arizona’s strong international partnerships and central role in the global economy, Governor Hobbs delivered a keynote address to over 300 attendees, including dignitaries from more than 40 countries.

“Today, Arizona stands as a beacon around the world for opportunity, innovation, and progress,” said Governor Katie Hobbs during her address. “Our trade is at record levels. We rank number one in the nation for Foreign Direct Investment. We are the epicenter of the world’s most advanced technologies. And we are just getting started.”

In recent months, Arizona has signed new multi-national agreements, expanded trade offices, and opened new doors for collaboration in research, workforce development, and innovation.

Arizona has also emerged as the No. 1 state for foreign direct investment, with 250 international projects announced since 2020 representing more than $195 billion in investment - the most in the nation. 

“In Arizona - we don’t see international partnerships as transactional,” said Governor Hobbs. “We see them as lasting commitments - rooted in trust, strengthened by shared values, and driven by a belief in mutual success. That is the Arizona way - and it is why the world continues to choose Arizona.”

To further Arizona’s international momentum, state leaders–led by the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations and the Arizona Commerce Authority–hosted an International State of the State Forum, showcasing Arizona’s premier investment environment, international partnerships, and global leadership. 

More than 80 visiting diplomatic partners joined local and state government, business, economic development, academic and community leaders for a day of panel discussions, networking and presentations. 

“Arizona’s global reputation for innovation, collaboration, and economic leadership has never been stronger,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Our expanding international partnerships are accelerating technological advancement while creating new job opportunities and driving historic investment in communities across our state.”

“As the international landscape becomes more complex and competitive, Arizona is emerging as a consequential global actor - deepening partnerships, accelerating innovation, and helping shape the next generation of cross-border cooperation,” said Dr. Lily McElwee, President & CEO of the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations. “This year's convening, more international than ever, is a recognition of that.”

Arizona’s Global Momentum

Key to Arizona’s global outreach strategy is the state’s seven International Trade and Investment Offices, located in Mexico, Canada, Europe, Israel, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. These offices serve as platforms to increase economic collaboration and enhance the market reach of Arizona companies. 

Significant foreign direct investments in Arizona from global companies such as TSMC, Amkor, LG Energy Solution, ASML, and more - position the state as a premier global destination for advanced manufacturing, technology, and innovation.

In 2025, exports by Arizona companies surged to a record $44.4 billion. Taiwan surpassed Canada and China to become Arizona’s second-largest trading partner (behind Mexico), with more than $21.2 billion in total trade.

Read more about Arizona’s record trade HERE. 

Media Contact

Alyssa Tufts, Arizona Commerce Authority, [email protected]

About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on X @azcommerce.