TRENTON, NJ — Governor Phil Murphy has returned to New Jersey following a multi-nation economic mission to East Asia, focusing on strengthening relations with Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. The trip involved meetings with industry leaders, multiple Memorandums of Understanding, and initiatives in education and childcare.
The governor-led mission, under the banner of Choose New Jersey, extended to South Korea where its education agenda was emphasized. First Lady Tammy Murphy visited Bandi Pre-K School in Seoul to take a tour and discuss early childhood education with South Korean experts. She also met with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education to discuss subsidized childcare and efforts to support working mothers. Tammy Murphy participated in a book reading, offering Bandi students a lesson in introductory English.
In Taiwan, Governor Murphy visited the Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park. There, he presided over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between BioNJ, a New Jersey-based life sciences trade association, and Taiwan BIO, its Taiwanese counterpart. The agreement aims to facilitate collaborative work in the life sciences sector.
A significant outcome of the trip was another Memorandum of Understanding between the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and the National Police Agency of the Republic of Korea. The agreement simplifies the process for citizens of both New Jersey and South Korea to obtain driver’s licenses in each other’s jurisdiction.
The Governor’s East Asia economic mission also took him to Japan where he engaged with industry leaders. While details of those meetings have not been fully disclosed, the trip overall aims to fortify economic relations between New Jersey and East Asia.
The Governor and the New Jersey delegation view the mission as a successful effort in building stronger economic and educational ties with East Asia, a sentiment reflected in the series of agreements and collaborative initiatives announced during the tour.