Newark, NJ — Choose New Jersey completed its second successful economic mission trip to India this month, further building on the connections established during the September 2019 business mission to India led by Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy.

The eight-day mission, spanning four cities, took place from December 10 to 17. During the week, the nine-member delegation from Choose New Jersey, New Jersey India Center, New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and global technology consultancy CGI visited New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar to bolster ties and cultivate further investment opportunities for New Jersey.

“There is no state in the United States that has stronger people-to-people, economic, academic, and commercial ties to India than New Jersey,” said Wesley Mathews, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey. “Our second mission to India in three years was very successful and highly productive. I am eager to further advance collaboration and industry connections between New Jersey and India.”

During the trip, the delegation met with 28 Indian companies across diverse sectors including banking and finance, information technology, pharmaceuticals, food products, and biotechnology. Additionally, the delegation had the opportunity to interact with U.S. diplomatic mission personnel in New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad, as well as share what makes New Jersey an ideal investment destination with six Indian industry organizations (AIFPA, NASSCOM, ESC, ABLE, CII, MACCIA) and the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC).

“The connections between India and New Jersey run very deep, and we are pleased to continue to foster the collaboration between our country and the State of New Jersey,” said Dheer Shah, CFO, BDR Pharmaceuticals International Pvt. Ltd.

The existing Sister State Agreement between New Jersey and the state of Gujarat was also reviewed with the state government to deepen cultural, academic, and economic connections between the two states. Through fruitful discussions with the iconic Yash Raj Films in Mumbai and the innovative GIFT-City in Gandhinagar, the delegation was able to pitch New Jersey’s strengths in media and film and higher education.

CGI’s Bengaluru office hosted the team, along with government officials and business leaders, to discuss the growth of the technology sector in the state and the breadth of CGI’s global operation.

“I was honored to be a part of the India Mission with Choose New Jersey,” said Mike Reagan, Senior Vice President of CGI and Choose New Jersey Board of Director. “We were proud to host the delegation at CGI’s Bengaluru office and to participate in important discussions with key government officials and business leaders. These connections will lead to valuable relationships for CGI, which will enhance and grow the technology sector in New Jersey. As New Jersey grows, so does CGI.”

To explore their future expansion plans, the delegation met with large Indian companies, including TCS, Wipro, Mphasis, Biocon, ACG, and ITC, all of which already have a footprint in New Jersey. The delegation also met with Enzene Biosciences Ltd. and Meteoric Biopharmaceuticals, both of whom have finalized their plans to open locations in the Garden State. A cultural visit to BAPS Swaminarayan’s Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Celebrations in Ahmedabad concluded the team’s visit to India.

“It was a privilege to meet with Indian businesses and state governments across the country and make the case for New Jersey as a top investment choice,” added Tarun Gupta, Group Managing Partner, T&A Consulting and Head – Choose New Jersey India Center. “I am confident this second trip will deliver even more results in the months to come and further strengthen the bilateral relationship between our two governments.”

“We chose to set up our Manufacturing facility in New Jersey after evaluating almost 10 other options,” said Himanshu Gadgil, CEO of Enzene. “New Jersey has a vibrant ecosystem for bio-manufacturing, a large pool of talented human capital, and great access to Biotech clusters. Choose New Jersey has been a great enabler in helping us connect to the local network. Being new to the area, their support has been critical.”

About Choose New Jersey, Inc.
Choose New Jersey is a privately funded 501 (c)(3) economic development organization with a mission to stimulate job creation and attract capital investment to New Jersey. Choose New Jersey markets New Jersey both domestically and internationally as the best place to grow a business in the United States. Knowledgeable, experienced staff, supported by a network of State agencies and private partners, provide free, confidential assistance to guide companies in establishing operations in New Jersey. By harnessing the power of business, labor, academic, and government leaders, Choose New Jersey enables growth across all sectors of the State’s economy, aspiring to build a stronger and more prosperous New Jersey for all. To learn more, visit choosenj.com.

About Choose New Jersey India Center
The New Jersey India Center was founded in 2019 during Governor Murphy’s historic business attraction trip to India with the New Jersey delegation. The office showcases New Jersey’s vested interest in the subcontinent and helps Indian companies looking to expand or break into the North American market. Our services include detailed market assessment services, customized business proposal responses, site selection assistance, government resources information, and introductions to public-private partnerships. Let us help you discover your second home in New Jersey. To learn more, visit choosenj.com/njic.