Antonio Proto Shares Insight on New Phoenix Office of Economic Development in Hermosillo, Sonora

By: Cindy G. Castillo

Antonio Proto says he’s proud of the work that the city of Phoenix has done to increase its economic presence in Mexico.

And the work continues, as it recently opened a new Phoenix Northern Mexico Office of Economic Development in Hermosillo, Sonora, where Proto will proudly serve as director.

The new office will cover Mexico’s northern region, including Sonora, Chihuahua, Baja California Norte, Baja California Sur, among others.

“Arizona has had a very close relationship with Mexico,” Proto says, “and there’s always been a connection for many, many years and now it’s just moving to a whole new level.”

More than anything, Proto says the office hopes to accomplish an increase in trade between Phoenix and Mexico.

“People know that Phoenix is a great place to live and to invest in,” he continued, “and by having an office in Hermosillo, that demonstrates that Arizona is a very pro-business city. Phoenix has become a high-technology city, second only to Silicon Valley.”

He says they’re currently working with different chambers, trying to help them and their members find businesses in Mexico in which to sell products or even find investment opportunities.

Proto says they’re also proud of their work in helping companies with the logistics of doing business in Mexico, such as language barriers, exchange of currency, understanding of regulations and much more.

“We’re able to help companies,” he says, “we’re able to save companies time and money. When they come to us, we’re able to set up appointments with the decision makers.”

Proto believes that Phoenix having an office of economic development in Hermosillo gives them a leg up over many states, which only have offices in Mexico City.

“It’s important for Phoenix to be a global player; this gives us an opportunity for a more personal relationship with important businessmen of Mexico and government entities.”