New Jersey is linking up with Ireland this weekend as the Garden State's governor, Phil Murphy, heads east across the Atlantic at the head of a state economic delegation.
Murphy, according to a release, will lead a four day, two-city economic mission trip to Ireland. The delegation will visit Dublin and Cork, "two of Ireland’s largest cities and economic engines, both globally recognized for their thriving technology, life sciences, financial services, and research sectors."
Stated the release: "As one of the United States’ largest trading partners, the mission will focus on deepening economic ties between Ireland and New Jersey, promoting investment opportunities in the Garden State, and strengthening educational and cultural ties between New Jersey and Ireland."
The mission takes flight on Sunday, April 24.
“As Ireland continues to position itself as a global leader in key areas such as technology and life sciences, we want to ensure that New Jersey is the leading choice for companies looking to expand and flourish,” said Governor Murphy.
“New Jersey’s innovation economy is thriving and ripe for investment, and I am excited to make the case that our state is the best place for economic growth. By deepening our cultural and economic ties with Ireland, we have the opportunity to grow our economy and generate good-paying jobs for our residents. As an Irish-American, I am proud to visit Ireland and showcase New Jersey as the best place in the country for business investments and growth.”
“We are honored to have Governor Murphy lead the New Jersey delegation on this historic business attraction mission to Ireland,” said Wesley Mathews, President & CEO of Choose New Jersey. “Ireland and New Jersey are natural partners, committed to fostering innovation-driven economic growth. Choose New Jersey is eager to return to Ireland with a diverse delegation to build upon our existing relationships and uncover new opportunities for collaboration.”
Murphy, who has ancestral roots in Cork, is being cheered on his way by New Jersey economic boosters.
“Governor Murphy recognizes Ireland’s importance as an economic development partner to New Jersey, based especially on its similarly robust technology and life sciences sectors,” said New Jersey Economic Development Authority CEO Tim Sullivan.
“The Garden State and the Emerald Isle would each bring tremendous value to any potential collaboration, including highly-educated workforces and esteemed university networks that drive innovative research. I expect this trip will lead to opportunities for entities on both sides of this equation, much like the Governor’s previous trips abroad.”
The Ireland visit has been welcomed by Irish diplomats in the U.S.
“There is already a strong investment base from New Jersey in Ireland, with companies drawn by our young, highly educated, highly skilled, multi-lingual work force; our membership of the European Union; and our stable business environment,” said Irish ambassador to the U.S. Dan Mulhall.
“This trade and investment relationship is very much a two-way street, with Irish companies in the U.S. driving innovation and bringing expertise to a wide range of sectors. Governor Murphy is a proud Irish-American and excellent friend to Ireland. His visit will boost even further the ties of trade, investment and friendship between Ireland and New Jersey.”
Irish Consul General in New York, Helena Nolan, also sent a bon voyage.
“I am very pleased that Governor Murphy is travelling to Ireland," Nolan said.
“Over one million people from New Jersey are of Irish heritage and, as both Ireland and the U.S. open up again, we are rolling out the green carpet and welcoming our diaspora and all those with an affinity for Ireland and for Irish culture."
The Murphy-led delegation includes First Lady Tammy Murphy, Choose New Jersey President and CEO Wesley Mathews, New Jersey Economic Development Authority CEO Tim Sullivan, senior administration and Choose New Jersey officials, as well as other key leaders representing the state.
"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," said the release.
Governor Murphy’s activities and public events will include meetings with key government and industry leaders, including representatives of the technology, life sciences, pharmaceutical, and academia sectors, as well as company visits and announcements.
Over the past five years, added the release, $285 million has been invested in New Jersey by Irish companies such as Aqua Comms, Kerry Group, Ding, Trane, and QUMAS. New Jersey is one of the Northeast’s top destinations for Irish foreign direct investment during this time.
Murphy made the economic trade mission announcement in Paterson at an Irish flag raising ceremony in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
