Phoenix Showcases Semiconductor Leadership at U.S.-Mexico Collaboration Forum

https://www.investinphoenix.com/news/53

<div class="ExternalClass52F506FBCA7745CEBA1C0B5EF569623F">PHOENIX, Ariz. - To further strengthen economic ties between the United States and Mexico, the city of Phoenix played host to a collaboration forum focused on semiconductor advancement on June 23 and 24. Held for the first time in the U.S., the <a href="https://bciu.zohobackstage.com/USMexicoSemiconductorCollaborationForumPhoenix2025" target="_blank">U.S.-Mexico Semiconductor Collaboration Forum</a> included a <a href="/news/52" target="_blank">Welcome Reception on June 23 at Phoenix City Hall</a>, and a full-day of programming on June 24 at Arizona State University's Thunderbird School of Global Management in Downtown Phoenix. Based off the theme of "Advancing Subnational Priorities and Strengthening Bilateral Collaboration," the event showcased Arizona and Mexico's semiconductor strengths and opportunities for further collaboration. Forum partners include the Arizona Commerce Authority<a href="https://www.azcommerce.com/" target="_blank"></a>, the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), the Mexican Chamber of the Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Technology Industry (CANIETI), the City of Phoenix, Intel, the Mexican Secretariat of Economy, the Arizona-Mexico Commission, the State of Baja California, Emtech Institute, Iberoamerican Technology Foundation, Arizona State University, and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. The Forum convened over 100 state and regional industry, government and academic leaders from Arizona, around the U.S. and Mexico. Attendees discussed enhanced semiconductor collaboration opportunities, strengthening regional cooperation to advance innovation, expand supply chains, attract investment, and further collaborate on workforce development strategies. "Greater Phoenix is one of America's longest-standing semiconductor hubs, and we are emerging as North America's epicenter for the future of semiconductor manufacturing, packaging, and research excellence," Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. "We are at the forefront of a mega-region opportunity that builds on our bilateral partnership with Mexico, which brings assets, including vital rare-earth minerals, to strengthen shared industries in semiconductors, aerospace, advanced and electric vehicles, and microelectronics. Working together, both regions will benefit from a dynamic future, delivering good paying jobs to Phoenicians and residents throughout the region." "As the national leader in new semiconductor investment, we're honored to host the Semiconductor Collaboration Forum with Mexico," Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, said. "Arizona enjoys a long-standing and fruitful relationship with Mexico, with a shared commitment to building a more resilient, secure economy that supports job creation and North American competitiveness." "The U.S.-Mexico Semiconductor Collaboration Forum demonstrates the power of trusted partnerships and a shared vision across borders," Nina Kundra, Senior Vice President, Business Council for International Understanding, said. "BCIU is proud to support this landmark event, the first of its kind in the United States, which has brought together leaders from academia, government, and industry to strengthen North America's semiconductor ecosystem." "CANIETI believes that the true strength of our region comes from the complementarity of our industries," Alfredo Pacheco, CEO and Executive Vice President of CANIETI, said. "By working together, Mexico and the United States are forging an integrated, resilient supply chain that enhances competitiveness and shared prosperity." "Arizona's relationship with Mexico is one of our greatest economic strengths," Eva Masadiego, Executive Director with the Arizona-Mexico Commission, said. "For more than six decades, the Arizona-Mexico Commission has championed cross-border collaboration, and the U.S.-Mexico Semiconductor Forum is one more example of what we can achieve together. This forum reinforced the strategic importance of aligning our innovation ecosystems to create robust, secure supply chains that serve not only Arizona and Mexico, but also the broader global economy." "Intel, in partnership with the Mexican National Chamber for the Electronics Industry (CANIETI), is proud to champion strategic initiatives such as the U.S.-Mexico Semiconductor Collaboration Forum, recognizing its critical role in fostering innovation and resilience across the industry," Carlos Rebellón, Director of Government and Public Policy, and Country Lead at Intel Mexico, said. "This forum is a powerful example of the cross-sector collaboration - among government, industry, and academia - required to accelerate technological progress and shape a robust, integrated North American semiconductor ecosystem. Together, we are fortifying supply chains, shaping the future of semiconductor innovation, and unlocking meaningful economic opportunities for both Mexico and the United States." "Arizona and Mexico are uniquely positioned to capitalize on the ongoing global relocation of semiconductor production," James O'Brien, Senior Vice President at Arizona State University, said. "We share an economy, and we can work together to promote mutual economic growth and strengthen supply chain resilience. Arizona State University, with its robust institutional partnerships in Mexico, plays a critical role in developing the workforce needed to power this semiconductor revolution. ASU is deeply committed to innovation, and the semiconductor sector is no exception." For the last six decades, the Arizona-Mexico Commission has worked to strengthen Arizona's ties with Mexico. The state's shared border with Mexico provides opportunities for cross-border collaboration, and showcases the unique region primed for international investment. Arizona's partnership with Mexico will be showcased at the Arizona-Mexico Commission's 66th Anniversary Summit on June 26 and 27 in Chandler, Ariz. Mexico is Arizona's top trading partner, with Arizona exports to Mexico reaching $8.9 billion and imports totaling $11.6 billion in 2024. Top exports to Mexico include $824 million in semiconductor and other electronic components, and $968 million in computer equipment. Arizona provides easy access to six ports of entry with Mexico, as well as the first international air cargo hub to house both Mexican and U.S. customs. Media Contact: Athena Sanchez, Communications Manager City of Phoenix Community and Economic Development Department Call/text: 602-621-0507 <a href="mailto:athena.sanchez@phoenix.gov">Athena.Sanchez@phoenix.gov</a> </div>

A session at the U.S.-Mexico Semiconductor Collaboration Forum

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6/25/2025 8:26:35 PM