Arizona and Mexico share deep connections both economically and culturally, yet continued collaboration is needed to maintain a mutually beneficial relationship. That’s why in 1959, Arizona’s then-Gov. Paul J. Fannin and former Sonora Gov. Alvaro Obregon founded the Arizona-Mexico West Coast Trade Commission – which became the Arizona-Mexico Commission in 1972 – to improve quality of life for the two states and countries. On Sep. 10, the Arizona Association for Economic Development hosted its Southern Summit looking at the future of Arizona-Mexico relations, highlighting the need for cooperation around ports of entry, agriculture, water and workforce development.