City of Yuma Signs Science and Technology Agreement with Mexico’s Federal Government, advancing Yuma Spaceport and collaboration between Arizona and Mexico

MEXICO CITY - On October 14, a delegation from the City of Yuma, led by Mayor Douglas Nicholls, traveled to Mexico City to enter a science, technology and innovation-focused Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mexico's Secretariat of Science, Humanities, Technology and Innovation (SECIHTI).

This landmark MOU sets a framework for collaborative binational work in applied research, technology transfer, talent development and innovation within the 4FrontED megaregion of southwest Arizona, southeast California, northern Sonora and northeastern Baja California.

Mexicali, Baja California serves as a major manufacturing and engineering hub for North America's aerospace and industry and is partners with Yuma on working together to boost both regions.

The Mexico City visit included a second meeting with Mexico's Secretariat of Economy Aeronautical and Space Industry regarding the 4FrontED region's growing aerospace potential, anchored in the Yuma Space Port project.

The Yuma delegation and Secretariat discussed a future MOU focused on the Yuma Spaceport project and the Sonora-Arizona Aerospace Corridor. Its aim will be to strengthen supply chains, attract investment and build high-value industry on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Attendees included senior representatives of the Secretariat of Economy's Global Economic Intelligence Unit, Mexican Air Force Officers (representative of Mexico's national aerospace forum) and representatives of Mexico's Federation of Aerospace Industries (FEMIA), bringing together government, defense-sector and industry stakeholders.

The Yuma delegation had a third meeting with Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), and met with senior officials from the Directorate General for North American Diplomatic Strategy - a high-level reception that placed the City of Yuma's initiative within the broader framework of the U.S.-Mexico bilateral relationship.

The Yuma delegation reflected the breadth of Arizona's commitment to the region. Yuma's delegation included members of the Yuma City Council, Arizona State Representative Nick Kupper, and representation from the Arizona Commerce Authority, the University of Arizona, the Town of Wellton, 4FrontED, Elevate Southwest, and private sector companies.

"By working collaboratively, the greater Yuma region, statewide agencies and partners in Mexico can reach new opportunities for advancement in our shared economies and industries with greater potential than we can alone," said Mayor Douglas Nicholls. "Collaboration with Mexico's federal institutions on the Yuma Space Port project puts Arizona at the forefront of a new chapter in science, technology and shared prosperity."

The City of Yuma extends its appreciation to SECIHTI, the Secretariat of Economy, and the Mexican institutions who made this visit possible, and looks forward to the continued working relationships.