Governor Phil Murphy, joined by Assemblywoman Carol Murphy, New Jersey Economic Development Authority CEO Tim Sullivan, and Ireland Senator Mark Daly, on June 7 signed A4055, which establishes the New Jersey-Ireland Trade Commission.
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The New Jersey-Ireland Trade Commission will advance the mutual interests of New Jersey and Ireland, including bilateral trade and investment opportunities, joint policy action, business and academic exchanges, economic support, and mutual investment in the infrastructures of the two regions.
“As a Murphy, it is an honor to bring New Jersey and my native Ireland together for a strategic partnership that will benefit our two regions for generations to come,†said Governor Murphy.
“Tammy and I have had the pleasure of leading an economic mission to Ireland to meet with leaders across the country in different sectors and industries, and to truly understand what the country has to offer.
"I am pleased to put pen to paper to mark the start of an official partnership between our two regions and look forward to witnessing what we can accomplish together.â€
The Commission, which will be an independent body “in, but not of,†the Department of State, will consist of 23 members — including 11 public members appointed by the Governor, four members of the Legislature appointed by the Senate President, two members of the Legislature appointed by the Senate Minority Leader, four members of the Legislature appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, and two members of the Legislature appointed by the Assembly Minority Leader. Each appointee must be selected within 90 days of today’s bill signing.
The Commission will be tasked with reporting recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within one year of its initial organizational meeting, and by February 1st of each succeeding year.
“New Jersey and Ireland are both committed to creating an inclusive and thriving economy – one that supports entrepreneurs and hardworking families,†said New Jersey Economic Development Authority CEO Tim Sullivan.
“From our trade mission to Ireland last year to the creation of this commission, Governor Murphy is continuing to push forward New Jersey and Ireland’s shared economic goals of strengthening high-growth strategic sectors such as innovation and offshore wind.
"The New Jersey-Ireland Trade Commission will leverage both entities resources, including our highly-skilled talent pools, to boost our economies and uplift our residents.â€
“I was pleased to learn that Governor Phil Murphy has signed a bill establishing the New Jersey-Ireland Trade Commission. This bill indicates a strong desire to deepen two-way trade, investment and education links between Ireland and the State of New Jersey," said Ireland’s Minister of State for the Diaspora Seán Fleming.
"New Jersey has more than 9 million inhabitants of which approx. 1.1m claim Irish heritage and it ranks in the top ten biggest economies of the United States. The state is an important source of investment into Ireland, and a growing number of Irish-origin companies also have operations there.†■