November 2025

The Importance of Global Trade and FDI to Arizona’s Economy

In today’s interconnected economy, global trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) play an essential role in driving regional growth, expanding innovation capacity, and strengthening supply chains. Arizona benefits significantly from international investment, with foreign-owned firms employing more than 144,600 workers and contributing billions annually to the state’s economic output.

During the last three years, Arizona has attracted more than 100 new FDI projects, representing over $35 billion of committed investment and more than 11,000 new jobs according to the Arizona Commerce Authority. This is in addition to TSMC’s $165 billion commitment and LG Energy Solutions’ $5.5 billion battery manufacturing complex announcement.

Mesa, one of the fastest-growing large cities in the United States, boasts a large portion of Arizona’s FDI market share. The city is home to numerous internationally headquartered companies that have chosen Mesa for manufacturing, R&D, logistics, and technology operations. Their presence adds diversity to the local economy and supports long-term economic resilience.

Mesa has realized foreign investments and expansions recently, including FUJIFILM Electronic Materials, Komatsu, KoMiCo, JX Advanced Materials, Moses Lakes Industries, XNRGY, DSV, Hyundai Transys, MGC Pure Chemicals, Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, Nammo Defense Systems, Nippon Express, NTT, Comarch, Danieli, Bridgestone, Infineon, Virgin Galactic, Metso, Daicel, Pentagon Technologies, and many others.

A Culture of Partnership

International investors consistently cite Mesa’s collaborative approach as a major advantage. The city’s economic development, utility, and planning teams work closely with companies from early planning through full operations, offering predictability and responsiveness at each stage. This culture of partnership, supported by regional institutions, workforce programs, and industry associations, helps global companies launch and scale efficiently.

Mesa on the International Stage

The City of Mesa relies on strategic partnerships with regional and state economic development agencies to elevate Mesa’s position in the international arena. This fall, city staff participated in the Arizona Commerce Authority-led mission to Taiwan, centered around SEMICON Taiwan. The delegation of 55 business leaders, staff from academic institutions, and economic developers promoted Arizona as the U.S. hub for semiconductor manufacturing, opening doors and enabling new relations to be established for future collaboration.

This December, City of Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman will lead a delegation to Japan in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and SRP, to promote Mesa as a premier location for advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, biotech, cleantech, and aerospace. This effort is part of Mesa’s business attraction strategy and will be anchored by SEMICON Japan in Tokyo, Dec. 17-19, as part of our mission to diversify Mesa’s economy. The Office of Economic Development will continue to enhance our business attraction efforts – particularly for international investment.

Mesa stands ready to be the U.S. base of operations for the next generation of advanced manufacturers, semiconductor companies, biotech firms, and other high-tech companies looking to increase their competitiveness and a city willing to partner with them.

Learn more about Mesa at SelectMesa.com.

We’re Hiring for an Economic Development Project Manager

Mesa has momentum and we’re looking for a dynamic Project Manager to help shape the future of one of the most innovative and fast-growing cities in the country. From building spaceships to surfing in the desert, Mesa is full of surprises and so is this role.

As a Project Manager on our Economic Development team, you will lead bold, creative, and community-driven projects that make headlines and make a difference. You will be at the forefront of initiatives that support commercial growth, workforce development, and Mesa-based business success.

If you’re ready to make an impact in a city full of bold ideas and unexpected opportunities, we want to hear from you. APPLY NOW.

Help Shape Mesa’s Economic Future 

The City of Mesa Office of Economic Development is seeking a dynamic consultant to lead our next economic development strategic plan.

Mesa is Arizona’s second largest city, spans 140 square miles with 523,000 residents and is growing opportunities for business, innovation, and quality living. Mesa is home to thriving industries in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, education, and semiconductors. Its strategic location and skilled workforce support global connections. The city offers top universities and a vibrant lifestyle with outdoor recreation, arts, and culture.

Mesa OED is seeking a consultant with expertise in economic development strategy, workforce development, redevelopment, international investment, and foreign direct investment.

The mission is to develop a bold, actionable three-year strategic plan that aligns stakeholders, builds economic resiliency, identifies emerging opportunities, and positions mesa as an economic leader.

The RFP was issued November 6 with pre-proposal meeting to be held November 19. Questions are due by November 24 and proposals are due December 4 by 3 p.m.

For more information, visit vendor.mesaaz.gov.

Mesa Office of Economic Development Recognized with Four Golden Prospector Awards for Excellence in Economic Development

The City of Mesa’s Office of Economic Development (Mesa OED) was recently honored with four Golden Prospector Awards of Merit from the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED), recognizing excellence in the categories of Special Event, Website, Economic Development Program and Multimedia Promotion.

Mesa OED received awards for its Business Appreciation Event celebrating women-owned and women-led businesses, the website highlighting retail development opportunities, the Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios program and the More to Mesa Retail Campaign.

The Business Appreciation Event underscored Mesa’s commitment to supporting women in business by fostering connections, sharing resources and highlighting the impact of women entrepreneurs and leaders in Mesa’s economy.

MesaAZRetail.com serves as a dedicated platform for showcasing retail development opportunities citywide. With interactive tools and detailed market data, the website provides valuable insights for developers, brokers and retailers interested in Mesa’s thriving business environment.

Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios continues to be a dynamic resource hub for small businesses and entrepreneurs, offering access to training, mentoring, funding and workspace to support business growth and innovation in Mesa.

The More to Mesa Retail Campaign positioned Mesa as both a prime location for retail investment and a vibrant destination for shoppers. The campaign highlighted Mesa’s strong demographics and expanding development activity to attract new retailers and developers while also encouraging residents and visitors to discover the city’s diverse shopping, dining and entertainment options.

The Golden Prospector Awards, presented annually by the AAED, recognize outstanding achievements in advancing economic development across Arizona. The program encourages innovative approaches that strengthen communities, attract investment and promote sustainable growth throughout the state.

For more information about AAED, visit aaed.com.

Office of Economic Development Receives International Award for Excellence

The City of Mesa Office of Economic Development (Mesa OED) has received a 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for the Asian District Brochure in the category of Print Promotions.

The Asian District Brochure was created to highlight and promote Mesa’s vibrant Asian District, which features a rich concentration of Asian-owned businesses, restaurants and cultural destinations. The brochure serves as a community and economic development tool, showcasing the district’s diversity and encouraging residents and visitors alike to explore, shop and dine in the area. By spotlighting the Asian District, the brochure also strengthens the visibility and competitiveness of small businesses and supports Mesa’s broader strategy of inclusive economic growth.

Every year, IEDC looks for economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the profession, leading the execution of projects that have a significant impact on revitalizing communities and play a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development.

For more information about IEDC, visit iedconline.org.