PHOENIX, AZ (May 21, 2026) – Business Facilities magazine recently announced Arizona as a winner of its annual Economic Development Organization (EDO) Awards, marking the fourth consecutive year that Arizona has been recognized for innovative economic development initiatives.

Arizona was selected as one of six state winners for the state’s proactive strategy to become the no. 1 destination for global businesses, the result of a multi-year strategy to expand global partnerships and facilitate transformative investments from global leaders like TSMC and LG Energy Solution. 

Record International Investment

Between 2020 and 2025, Arizona successfully landed 248 expansion projects from international companies, representing more than 55,000 potential new jobs and over $195 billion in investment – the most in the nation (fDi Markets). 

In 2025, exports by Arizona companies surged from $32.4 to $44.4 billion – a 37% increase and the second fastest growth in the nation. 

The Business Facilities EDO Awards program highlights innovative and impactful economic development programs and initiatives. From broad industry-wide initiatives to targeted programs to support business, the awards represent an array of solutions across locations and industries.

“Arizona’s international momentum has never been stronger, leading to unprecedented international activity, transformative investments, and strategic partnerships that strengthen Arizona's global competitiveness,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “We’re grateful to Governor Hobbs and our Legislature for their leadership to ensure Arizona remains the premier destination for global companies and appreciate the collaboration of our local, regional and international partners.”

Recent international activity includes:

• Opening of the Taiwan Trade and Investment Service Center in Phoenix;
• Hosting the Arizona AI & Semiconductor Global Forum, which convened Arizona partners and a delegation of over 100 global leaders to learn about Arizona’s advantages and explore investment opportunities;
• MOU signing between the ACA and Sustainable Impact Capital (SIC) to establish Arizona as a U.S. hub for Taiwanese startups and innovative companies to enter the U.S. market;
• MOU signing between Arizona, Japan and Taiwan to strengthen semiconductor, workforce and supply chain collaboration.

Key to Arizona’s global outreach strategy is the state’s seven International Trade and Investment Offices, located in Mexico, Canada, Europe, Israel, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. These offices serve as platforms to increase economic collaboration and enhance the market reach of Arizona companies. 

Last year, Business Facilities recognized Arizona in its EDO Awards for the state’s significant broadband expansion efforts and ConnectAllAZ, an initiative launched by Governor Hobbs in 2024 that aims to accelerate broadband expansion efforts to unserved and underserved communities across the state.

Read more about Business Facilities’ EDO Awards HERE. 

Media Contact

Alyssa Tufts, Arizona Commerce Authority, alyssat@azcommerce.com

About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on X @azcommerce.