In an effort to bolster the cultural and economic ties between New Jersey and India, Governor Phil Murphy established the New Jersey-India Commission.
“I am honored to establish the New Jersey-India Commission to strengthen the cultural and economic ties between New Jersey and India for generations to come,” Gov. Murphy said before signing the executive order in the presence of Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Tahesha Way, Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan and members of the Indian American community.
“We take immense pride in the contributions of our vast Indian immigrant population and, through this commission, we can ensure that we seize a new century of opportunities to grow together and pioneer new possibilities,” the Governor added.
Thank you @GovMuprhy, the creation of this commission is an historic step to link New Jersey with India. We look forward to working closely with you in this https://t.co/Ap3UBAk9IQ
— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) February 6, 2024
According to an official statement, the commission comprising of not more than 45 members appointed by the Governor will be responsible for advancing bilateral trade and investment and encouraging economic development in both NJ and India by advising the Governor, as well as the other New Jersey government agencies and departments.
Speaking on the occasion, CG Pradhan said, “Governor Murphy’s initiative to establish the New Jersey-India Commission would add strength to already existing high level of economic engagement in terms of over $10 billion trade with New Jersey or several two-way investments. This would also give a boost to the strong people-to-people connect that exists between India and New Jersey including in areas of education and knowledge partnership.”
Wesley Mathews, president and chief executive officer of Choose NJ was appointed as the inaugural chair of the commission. Members of the commission included NJ senators Vin Gopal, and Raj Mukherji; Kris Kolluri, CEO of the Gateway Development Commission; Parimal Garg Chief Counsel at Office of Governor Phil Murphy; Anjali Mehrotra NJ-based activist; Attorneys Rajiv and Carrie Parikh, to name a few.
Governor of New Jersey @GovMurphy signed an Executive Order established the New Jersey-India Commission in presence of Lt Governor @LtGovWay, Consul General @binaysrikant76 & Head of the Commission @wsmathews ; about 39 leaders from business , technology & politics have been… pic.twitter.com/eEvnL4IJXC
— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) February 6, 2024
“We are thrilled that the Governor has established the New Jersey-India Commission,” chair Mathews said. “The multiple economic missions the State has taken to India since 2019, including the number of sister-state relationships established and MOUs signed across higher education, life science, and the technology sectors prove that we have shared visions for our economies and people,” he added.
Indians make up the majority of the immigrant population in New Jersey as a result India is the state’s second-largest foreign direct investor. Over the past two decades, India has invested $2 billion dollars into New Jersey, helping to create nearly 6,000 jobs in key sectors like life sciences and technology.
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