Here’s why the final economic and cultural mission for Gov. Phil Murphy may have been
the most important – and most impactful.
The Nov. 6-9 trip to Mexico, sponsored by Choose New Jersey and the Statewide
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, wasn’t just about adding another location to trips that
have included stops in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Israel, India, Japan,
Korea, Taiwan and Canada.
The mission was about message.
The trip recognized the unique relationship the state has with Mexico, a connection to
New Jersey — in residents and in revenue — that is far greater than all others on the
list.
“This mission showcased the many ways New Jersey and Mexico can grow together,
through business innovation, educational exchange, and cultural understanding,”
Murphy said.
“As I mark the final international Choose New Jersey mission of my administration, I’m
reminded of the power of these economic missions to connect people, celebrate shared
culture, and foster understanding that strengthens communities and lays the
groundwork for lasting growth. We look forward to seeing how these collaborations will
continue to advance our enduring partnership with Mexico as part of our great North
American alliance.”
New Jersey and Mexico share a long-standing and growing relationship shaped by
innovation, entrepreneurship, and deep cultural ties. Mexico is New Jersey’s seventh-
largest trading partner and the second-largest market for goods exported by the state,
representing $10.6 billion in two-way trade. Both regions are well-aligned for
collaboration in key industries, including manufacturing, technology, life sciences and
food and beverage.
Andrew Gross, the director of international innovation at the N.J. Economic
Development Authority, put it this way.
“Mexico is a key partner in New Jersey’s trade efforts, and we are now well-positioned
as a strong investment opportunity for Mexico in the Northeast,” he said. “Throughout his time in office, Governor Murphy has successfully built strong economic relationships with Latin American countries and other international partners, expanding New Jersey’s presence on the global stage. Our collaboration in sectors like manufacturing, innovation, and education positions us to compete internationally, helping our businesses grow and our economy thrive.”
No country collaboration is stronger than New Jersey’s with Mexico.
It led to the creation last spring of the American Mexican Chamber of Commerce, which
has seen an explosion of interest in the Mid-Atlantic region since it was announced.
The relationship certainly comes with conflict and misunderstanding (see anything
related to immigration or tariffs). But it is certain to grow.
The delegation on this trip engaged with Mexican government and business leaders to
explore joint opportunities across sectors from manufacturing to life sciences,
emphasizing workforce development, cross-border investment, and tech collaboration. A strong focus on higher education was woven throughout the mission, with meetings
specifically for university and academic leaders to advance student and faculty
exchanges and joint research.
In dialogue with Mexico City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and a range of education and
innovation stakeholders, the mission built momentum around student and faculty
exchanges, business-to-business linkages, and culturally anchored partnerships that
strengthen both regions.
As part of the mission, two Memoranda of Understanding were signed:
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Consulate
of Mexico in New Brunswick signed an agreement to expand worker education, training,
and safety programs, reaffirming New Jersey’s commitment to protecting labor rights
and inclusive workforce development.
New Jersey City University and Fundación Universidad de las Américas Puebla signed
an agreement establishing a framework for academic collaboration through student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and cultural programming to promote global learning
and cross-cultural understanding.
Statewide Hispanic CEO Carlos Medina said the mission reflected the shared
entrepreneurial spirit that unites New Jersey and Mexico.
“Our collaboration opens new doors for small businesses, universities, and
communities, and creates opportunities for cultural exchange, and reinforces the
powerful connections between the Hispanic business community and New Jersey’s
broader economy. Together, we’re building bridges that support inclusive growth and
long-term prosperity across both regions.”
The delegation also celebrated the cultural ties between New Jersey and Mexico.
Home to more than 217,000 residents of Mexican origin — the largest Mexican
American community in the Northeast — New Jersey has a connection to Mexico that
extends beyond trade. The Mexican Consulate in New Brunswick, the first in the state,
serves as a vital bridge between the two regions.
That collaboration will be on display during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be
hosted in New Jersey.
The World Cup is expected to generate $3.3 billion in tourism to the New Jersey/New
York area, with an estimated economic impact of $2 billion and over 14,000 jobs at
MetLife Stadium. Both New Jersey and Mexico will benefit greatly.
Choose New Jersey CEO Wes Mathews, who organized many of these missions and
will leave his post as the Murphy administration comes to a close, looked back fondly on
the effort.
“Our governor-led mission to Mexico demonstrates how economic, educational, and
cultural collaboration can drive mutual growth,” he said. “We’re proud to deepen
relationships that connect New Jersey’s communities and institutions to one of our most
significant trading partners, and we thank the New Jersey Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce, our delegation, and sponsors for making this mission possible.
“We look forward to building on these connections to create opportunities for
partnership that will benefit both New Jersey and Mexico for years to come.”
