Gov. Phil Murphy will lead a four day, two-city economic mission trip to Ireland in April, the Governor’s Office announced Thursday.
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. The mission will focus on deepening economic ties between Ireland — one of the largest trading partners of the U.S. — and New Jersey, promoting investment opportunities in the Garden State, and strengthening educational and cultural ties between New Jersey and Ireland.
“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,” Murphy said.
“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.”
Murphy will lead the delegation, which will include first lady Tammy Murphy, Choose New Jersey CEO Wesley Mathews, New Jersey Economic Development Authority CEO Tim Sullivan, senior administration and 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.
The Governor’s Office said 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.
Matthews and Sullivan said the trip could have great impact, noting that $285 million already 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.
“Ireland and New Jersey are natural partners, committed to fostering innovation-driven economic growth,” Matthews said. “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.”
Sullivan agreed.
“Gov. Murphy recognizes Ireland’s importance as an economic development partner to New Jersey, based especially on its similarly robust technology and life sciences sectors,” he said. “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.”
Murphy made the economic trade mission announcement in Paterson at an Irish flag raising ceremony in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
