TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy has enacted Executive Order No. 354, establishing the New Jersey-India Commission, a significant stride towards bolstering economic and cultural relationships between New Jersey and India. This new commission is tasked with enhancing bilateral trade and investment, fostering economic development, and promoting cultural and educational exchanges between the two regions.
Governor Murphy emphasized the importance of this initiative, reflecting on his 2019 visit to India and the commitment to leverage the economic synergies and vast contributions of the Indian immigrant community in New Jersey. The commission aims to capitalize on a new century of growth opportunities, ensuring a stronger bond between New Jersey and India.
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Tahesha Way expressed enthusiasm for overseeing the commission’s efforts to deepen the longstanding ties between the two regions, highlighting the enriching influence of New Jersey’s Indian population and the potential for further collaborative ventures.
India stands as New Jersey’s second-largest foreign direct investor, with significant investments over the past two decades amounting to $2 billion and creating nearly 6,000 jobs in vital sectors such as life sciences and technology. Governor Murphy’s economic mission trip to India in September 2019 further solidified these relations, resulting in over 1,200 new jobs and expanded operations for three Indian companies within New Jersey.
Consul General of India Binaya Srikanta Pradhan and Wesley Mathews, Chair of the Commission, both underscored the unique and dynamic partnership between New Jersey and India. They pointed to the economic missions, sister-state relationships, and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) signed in various sectors as evidence of a shared vision for prosperity and a strong people-to-people connection.
The New Jersey-India Commission, comprising 35 to 45 members appointed by the Governor, will advise on furthering these partnerships and enhancing economic engagement. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in New Jersey’s international relations, promising a future rich with collaborative success and mutual growth.