From heartfelt encounters and cross-border collaborations to small business
empowerment and Latino leadership, Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of
New Jersey CEO Carlos Medina detailed the recent trade mission to Mexico with Gov.
Phil Murphy.
Medina, speaking on a 10-minute video, said the trip, sponsored by Choose New Jersey
in conjunction with the chamber, was a transformative journey — one filled with
connection, gratitude and purpose.
Medina shared his personal and professional reflections on numerous subjects,
including:
- The power of genuine hospitality and shared culture;
- New Jersey’s growing relationship with Mexico and Latin America;
- Opportunities for small businesses in trade and investment;
- How the mission became a moment of healing and renewed energy;
- The importance of building partnerships beyond borders.
Medina said the mission was more than business and diplomacy — it was about familia
and shared purpose. He said it reaffirmed SHCCNJ’s vision to open doors for Hispanic-
owned small businesses and nurture meaningful partnerships that transcend borders.
Medina said the trip also highlighted the governor’s long-standing commitment to
inclusion.
“He has been a true ally to New Jersey’s Hispanic business community, opening doors,
fostering inclusion and showing up for small businesses in meaningful ways,” he said.
Here’s a look at four ways Medina feels the trip made impact:
Historic partnerships: Two landmark Memoranda of Understanding were signed —
one between the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the
Consulate of Mexico in New Brunswick to expand worker education, safety, and training
programs; and another between New Jersey City University and Fundación Universidad
de las Américas Puebla to promote student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and
cross-cultural learning.
Trade and innovation: With $10.6 billion in two-way trade, Mexico is New Jersey’s
seventh-largest trading partner and a key ally in manufacturing, technology, life
sciences, and food and beverage. The mission reinforced the shared vision of both
regions to grow through innovation and sustainable development.
Educational exchange: The delegation’s meetings with university leaders and
education officials built momentum for deeper academic collaboration — linking New
Jersey students and researchers with one of Latin America’s top innovation
ecosystems.
Cultural connection: Home to more than 217,000 residents of Mexican origin, New
Jersey has the largest Mexican American community in the Northeast. The mission
celebrated this cultural bond and the establishment of Mexico’s first consulate in the
state, further solidifying ties between the two regions.
Looking ahead to 2026: Delegates met with FIFA and Mexico City officials to discuss
opportunities surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is expected to generate $3.3
billion in tourism for the New Jersey/New York area, creating more than 14,000 jobs and
driving $2 billion in local economic impact.
Link to video.
