Listen to this article

Choose New Jersey officially opened the New Jersey Asia Pacific Center during a Wednesday event in Taipei, Taiwan.

The new center was announced during last year’s multi-nation economic mission to East Asia. It will serve Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and China.

Sam Lin will lead the effort. It will showcase New Jersey to companies planning to expand their footprint to the U.S. while supporting efforts to establish a presence right here in the Garden State.

It marks Choose New Jersey‘s fifth international office. Others are located in India, Israel, Germany and Ireland. Officials say the center will facilitate increased trade and collaboration in critical New Jersey economic sectors as well as strengthen economic and cultural ties. Additionally, it will create new opportunities that benefit both New Jersey and its East Asian partners.

Gov. Phil Murphy offered video remarks during the kick-off event, which featured a slew of officials and stakeholders.

‘Beginning of a new era’

“With the historic inauguration of the New Jersey Asia Pacific Center, we are unleashing new possibilities and prosperity for our workers and our families – in New Jersey, in Taiwan, and across the Asia Pacific region,” said Murphy. “This pivotal step signifies the beginning of a new era, where our enduring bonds with Asian nations will evolve into unprecedented realms of opportunity, collaboration, economic prosperity, and cultural enrichment.”

“The opening of the New Jersey Asia Pacific Center marks a critical milestone in our efforts to enhance our presence in some of the world’s most significant economic markets,” said Choose New Jersey President and CEO Wesley Mathews, who was on-hand for the opening. “Through the center, we look forward to building bridges and sharing the incredible value-proposition of New Jersey’s world-class talent, location, and innovation-fueled economy to our partners in the Asia Pacific.”

“I am excited to lead the team that will work to advance Choose New Jersey’s mission in this new capacity,” said Lin.

Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, a former New Jersey resident, said the Garden State holds a special place in her heart.

As a former NJ resident, pleased to see the Garden State open an office in Taipei. Appreciate @GovMurphy leadership in deepening the trade, investment, education and culture ties with Taiwan! https://t.co/5jH1owdG37

— Bi-khim Hsiao 蕭美琴 (@bikhim) May 29, 2024

“I am confident that the opening of the New Jersey Asia Pacific Center will provide strong momentum in boosting trade, investment, and people-to-people ties between Taiwan and the Garden State,” said Bi-khim. “More importantly, this will help deepen Taiwan-US economic and investment relations on the whole – making an already robust relationship even stronger.”