Gov. Phil Murphy announces economic mission trip to India

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New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy will lead a seven-day, six-city economic mission trip to India in September.

The delegation will visit six cities, including Delhi, Agra, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Gandhinagar. The focus of the mission is to strengthen economic ties with one of New Jersey’s largest trade and investment partners, cultivate international investment opportunities in the Garden State, and deepen cultural and educational ties between New Jersey and India.

The announcement was made at a luncheon hosted by the Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce (AICC), which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. AICC supports New Jersey’s Asian Indian business community through business expos, nonprofit cultural events, business and educational symposiums, and humanitarian causes, according to a press release.

“As India’s role as one of our key partners continues to expand, we want to make sure we maximize the potential of our economic relationship,” said Murphy. “I am excited to make the case for New Jersey as a leading investment choice for Indian companies, creating lasting partnerships and good jobs for our residents. We are proud to be the home of one of America’s most deeply-rooted Indian American communities, and growing our economic partnership will only strengthen those ties.”

Murphy’s activities and public events will include meetings with key government and industry leaders, including representatives of the life sciences, technology, clean energy, film and media, and manufacturing sectors, as well as company visits and announcements.

New Jersey maintains very close ties with India culturally and economically, as India is New Jersey’s second largest foreign direct investor and Indian-Americans represent the largest group of foreign-born residents in New Jersey. Moreover, over 50 percent of India’s foreign direct investment in the Northeast comes to New Jersey.

“We are thrilled to be part of Governor Murphy’s economic mission to India in September,” said Jose Lozano, President & CEO of Choose New Jersey, in a statement. “New Jersey is a leader in the life sciences, medical technology, clean energy and manufacturing, and we are the best place for international companies to do business. We look forward to strengthening our close cultural and economic ties with our partners in India during this trip and attracting more businesses to invest in the Garden State.”

NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan said in a statement: “In our increasingly interconnected world, driving international trade and investment is critical to making New Jersey a global competitor and building a foundation for long-term, sustainable economic growth. As the country with the third largest GDP in terms of purchasing power, India is already a formidable player in the international economy and the country’s influence is only continuing to grow. Governor Murphy’s trip is an important step forward that will pave the way for new business partnerships between New Jersey and India and bring more investment and jobs to the Garden State.”

The President of the Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce Priti Pandya-Patel said in a statement: “We are so honored that Governor Phil Murphy has chosen the Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce to announce his Trade Mission to India in September of this year. As a community leader, business owner and longtime resident of New Jersey, it is so remarkable that this administration has made extra effort to embrace the value of our Asian Indian Americans for their contributions in New Jersey as well as recognizing the strengths of the companies based in India. On behalf of the Board of Directors and members of the Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce, we would like to wish Governor Murphy and his TEAM a safe and successful journey to India.”

Murphy will lead the delegation, which includes First Lady Tammy Murphy, Choose New Jersey President and CEO Jose Lozano, New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) CEO Tim Sullivan, and other senior administration and Choose New Jersey officials. Throughout the trip, the delegation will showcase New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem and highlight why New Jersey is the best place for the international community to do business.In a press release, Murphy’s office sent reactions from some community members.

India’s Consul General in New York Sandeep Chakravorty said: “While Indian companies have made significant investments in pharmaceutical and information technology sectors in New Jersey, Governor Murphy’s visit is likely to open up new sectors like film and media and manufacturing for further collaboration.

State Senator for the 11th Legislative District Vin Gopal said: “Our state is immeasurably strengthened by the proud Indian-American community that calls New Jersey its home, and I am grateful to see the Governor continue to take steps, both internationally and domestically, to promote the diversity of backgrounds and relationships that make our state such a great place to live.

”Councilwoman Ayesha Krishnan Hamilton Township of West Windsor said: “He will be visiting Hyderabad, a vibrant tech center, with the objective of building bridges with businesses that will benefit the New Jersey business community and its workforce.”