Ducey to pitch Arizona in Paris, Mexico City

• The Governor%27s Office confirmed Wednesday that Ducey will attend the Paris Air Show%2C which attracts CEOs%2C aircraft manufacturers%2C military officials%2C airlines and airport operators.
• Ducey will head to Mexico City %u2014 where the state recently reopened a trade office.

In his first attempt to sell Arizona to the world, Gov. Doug Ducey will travel to Paris and Mexico City later this month to pitch the state to business leaders.

The Governor's Office confirmed Wednesday that Ducey on June 15 and June 16 will attend the Paris Air Show, which attracts CEOs, aircraft manufacturers, military officials, airlines and airport operators.

Then, the governor on June 17 through June 19 will head to Mexico City — where the state recently reopened a trade office, underscoring efforts to grow Arizona's relatively small international exports and to repair relations with the country after years of battles over immigration enforcement and border security.

Daniel Scarpinato, the governor's spokesman, said Ducey will also meet with elected officials and business leaders in Mexico's capital. He said the office has not yet finalized the governor's schedule as well as his traveling companions.

"The governor is looking forward to promoting Arizona to international business and economic development leaders as we look to grow our economy and create jobs," Scarpinato said.

Similarly, former Gov. Jan Brewer led "trade missions" China, India, Norway and other countries in an effort to help bring business to Arizona. However, the state's foreign trade and foreign business remains underwhelming.

During his campaign, Ducey said he would work to repair the state's standing both nationally and worldwide. The state's image took a beating, economists, CEOs and political observers have said, due to controversial social issues legislation, such as Senate Bill 1070 on illegal immigation, which Brewer signed, and the religious freedom legislation form 2014, which Brewer vetoed.

Back then, Ducey said he saw it as a problem to fix with slick public-relations and a friendly business climate that he will encourage during his tenure. Candidate Ducey said Arizona is "perfectly positioned" to lure businesses from other states and countries, calling the state a "a blank canvas."

"Nobody gets a better chance to set a new tone with a new message than a newly elected leader," he said at the time.