Trade between New Jersey and Mexico totaled $10.6 billion in 2024, driven by manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture. The state is home to 217,000 residents of Mexican descent, and a recent high-level delegation led by Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy aimed to strengthen economic, educational, and cultural ties between the two regions.
Organized by Choose New Jersey and the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, the three-day mission brought together state officials, business executives, and higher education leaders. The trip focused on deepening bilateral investment, workforce protections, and academic collaboration.
A key outcome was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development and the Consulate of Mexico in New Brunswick. This agreement enhances outreach and safeguards for Mexican-origin workers in the state. Governor Murphy emphasized that every worker deserves a secure workplace, and the MOU reinforces legal protections regardless of nationality. NJDOL Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo highlighted the partnership’s role in building a fair and dynamic labor environment.
Another significant agreement was established between New Jersey City University (NJCU) and Fundación Universidad de las Américas Puebla (UDLAP). This academic alliance will support student and faculty exchanges, joint research, dual degree programs, study abroad opportunities, and shared academic events. Dr. Adrián Franco, leading NJCU’s Guarini Institute for International Education & Economic Mobility, will oversee implementation. NJCU President Andrés Acebo noted the university’s long-standing commitment to global engagement, especially as New Jersey’s oldest Hispanic-Serving Institution. He described the partnership as a step toward expanding international learning. Kean University President Lamont Repollet praised such collaborations for broadening access to cross-cultural education, particularly as Kean expands its Jersey City presence.
The delegation also participated in a SelectUSA roundtable hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce on November 6, focusing on investment prospects in technology, financial services, manufacturing, and life sciences. Later, a reception welcomed executives from PSEG, RWJBarnabas Health, Kean University, Northeast Precast, and SHCCNJ, showcasing New Jersey’s global business appeal and diverse economic networks.
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Murphy leads final NJ economic mission to Mexico
NJ, Mexico trade reached $10.6B in 2024 n nNew MOU expands worker protections for NJ’s Mexican community n nNJCU, UDLAP sign academic and cultural partnership agreement n nThe final economic mission led by Gov. Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy is underway in Mexico. n nChoose New Jersey and the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey organized the three-day trip. It features a high-level delegation of New Jersey officials, business leaders and higher education executives. n nIn 2024, trade between New Jersey and Mexico reached $10.6 billion – spearheaded by key industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture. The Garden State is home to 217,000 residents of Mexican origin. n nOfficials say this mission will build on those strong economic ties and trading partnerships, with a focus on fostering academic and cultural connections. n nThroughout the first two days, the New Jersey delegation met with top Mexican officials, signed several memoranda of understanding as well as participated in events highlighting bilateral investment and educational partnerships. n nKey developments so far n nMOU to protect workers’ rights in New Jersey between the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development and the Consulate of Mexico in New Brunswick n nThe agreement establishes a framework to enhance outreach, education and worker-protection efforts for New Jersey’s 217,000 residents of Mexican origin. n n“Every person in New Jersey deserves to feel safe at their workplace,” said Murphy. “This MOU sends the message that all workers in our state are protected by the law to its fullest extent, regardless of origin.” n n“NJDOL is thrilled to collaborate with the Consulate of Mexico in New Brunswick to further our commitment to creating an equitable and thriving work landscape for all,” said NJDOL Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “Together we will provide additional support and resources to make a positive impact in the lives of our workers and employers.” n nMOU between New Jersey City University and Fundación Universidad de las Américas Puebla (UDLAP) to expand academic and cultural collaboration n nWitnessed by Murphy and facilitated by Choose New Jersey, the agreement seeks to promote collaboration through: n nStudent, academic and administrative exchanges; n nstudy abroad programs; n ndouble degrees; n nexchanges of publications and reports, n njoint research activities, n nthe organization of academic conferences and seminars – in addition to joint organization of special technical or administrative programs. n nThe agreement will be implemented by NJCU’s Guarini Institute for International Education & Economic Mobility, led by Dr. Adrián Franco, will implement the agreement. n n“This partnership with Universidad de las Américas Puebla reflects New Jersey City University’s commitment to fostering global learning opportunities and cultural exchange,” said NJCU President Andrés Acebo. “As New Jersey’s oldest Hispanic-Serving Institution, NJCU has a special responsibility to build bridges with leading universities across Latin America. n n“As our campus enters the next era in its nearly 100-year history, partnerships like this exemplify our vision for the future — one that creates meaningful opportunities for academic exchange and enriches both our students and faculty.” n n“Agreements like the one between NJCU and UDLAP expand access to meaningful academic and cultural opportunities for students across institutions,” said Kean University President Lamont Repollet. “As we move toward establishing Kean Jersey City, international education will remain a top priority, ensuring even more students benefit from immersive cross-cultural experiences.” n nSelectUSA business roundtable and reception n nThe delegation also joined the SelectUSA roundtable Nov. 6, hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The event explored investment opportunities with executives across the technology, financial services, manufacturing and life sciences sectors. n nLater that evening, the delegation hosted a SelectUSA reception, welcoming leaders from PSEG, RWJBarnabas Health, Kean University, Northeast Precast, alongside the SHCCNJ. The gala showcased New Jersey’s diverse economic partnerships and global business appeal.