Phil Murphy, Democratic candidate for governor, visited Israel this week and met with business and government leaders on ways to expand New Jersey’s economic, security and cultural ties.
“The ties between New Jersey and Israel are important not only because of the shared heritage of many of our people, but also because of the economics that link our states,” said Murphy, an expert in international finance and the former US Ambassador to Germany. “As governor, I want to make New Jersey a true world leader in the trade of both goods and ideas. Markets like Israel are an important part of that equation to grow our own economy and create good jobs.”
According to numerous reports, the New Jersey-Israel economic partnership amounts to $1.8 billion in annual economic activity, including more than $775 million in exports from New Jersey. Murphy said strengthening those economic bonds is necessary to create a stronger state economy.
Murphy said the trip included meetings with government officials ranging from national leaders such as former Israeli President and Prime Minister Shimon Peres to major city mayors including Tel Aviv Mayor Rob Huldai, and the mayor of a community that borders Gaza. He also will have discussions with leaders from Israel’s institutions of higher education and technology industry on ways to expand joint educational opportunities, research and development and economic cooperation.
He and his wife visited with New Jersey youths spending their summer in the city of Arad as well as the Lauder Employment Center, which focuses on employment and social issues in the Negev region.
“New Jersey’s cultural ties to Israel are extraordinary, yet just as important are the economic ties between our businesses and consumers,” said Murphy. “As governor, I see growing New Jersey’s economy as also meaning positioning ourselves as a welcome partner with consumers across the globe. From our life sciences industries to agricultural research, such partnerships are becoming ever more important as we seek to finally get out of the shadow of the past recession and get New Jersey working again.”
