Gov. Doug Ducey is in Mexico City on what his office is calling an economy-focused trip. He’s had meetings with business and political leaders on his first trip to Mexico as governor.

The country is Arizona’s biggest trading partner — the governor’s office said exports were valued at more than $8.5 billion last year. We have two perspectives on cross-border trade and relationships — starting with Juan Francisco Padres, Tucson’s Economic Development Specialist for International Trade.

Tucson and Phoenix have a trade office in Mexico, which is staffed by the Arizona Commerce Authority. Francisco spoke about the  difference between the cities’ goals and the state’s goals there.

Arizona’s neighboring states also have long-term, valued relationships with Mexico. For a broader perspective we turned to Erik Lee, Executive Director of the North American Research Partnership.