Listen to this articleThe basics:
- Murphy leads final NJ economic mission, to Mexico
- NJ, Mexico trade reached $10.6B in 2024
- New MOU expands worker protections for NJ’s Mexican community
- NJCU, UDLAP sign academic and cultural partnership agreement
The final economic mission led by Gov. Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy is underway in Mexico.
Choose 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.
In 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.
Officials say this mission will build on those strong economic ties and trading partnerships, with a focus on fostering academic and cultural connections.
Throughout 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.
Key developments so far
MOU to protect workers’ rights in New Jersey between the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development and the Consulate of Mexico in New Brunswick
The agreement establishes a framework to enhance outreach, education and worker-protection efforts for New Jersey’s 217,000 residents of Mexican origin.
“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.”
“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.”
MOU between New Jersey City University and Fundación Universidad de las Américas Puebla (UDLAP) to expand academic and cultural collaboration
Witnessed by Murphy and facilitated by Choose New Jersey, the agreement seeks to promote collaboration through:
- Student, academic and administrative exchanges;
- study abroad programs;
- double degrees;
- exchanges of publications and reports,
- joint research activities,
- the organization of academic conferences and seminars – in addition to joint organization of special technical or administrative programs.
Past economic missions:
Click below to read – and see – more from other trips:
The agreement will be implemented by NJCU’s Guarini Institute for International Education & Economic Mobility, led by Dr. Adrián Franco, will implement the agreement.
“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.
“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.”
“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.”
SelectUSA business roundtable and reception
The 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.
Later 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.
More details on the latest happenings from the Mexico trip are available here.
