In addition, the new trade office will assist participants from New Jersey's September 1998 mission to realize future business opportunities with the Republic of Mexico. The trade delegation consisted of nearly 50 corporate leaders from small, medium and Fortune 500 New Jersey firms with trade and investment interests in Mexico. During the trade mission, Governor Whitman met with Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo and other government leaders who reassured New Jersey businesses about Mexico's commitment to trade relations. Discussions focused on policy issues dealing with telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and financial institutions. Mexico is the State's sixth largest trading partner.
New Jersey is the ninth leading exporter among the states.
The Garden State is also the fifth leading state in foreign direct investment, hosting more than 1,200 foreign firms.