Gov. Phil Murphy will lead a four-day economic mission trip to Dublin and Cork, Ireland in April.

The cities are both globally recognized for their technology, life sciences, financial services and research sectors. With Ireland being one of the United States’ largest trading partners, the mission intends to strengthen economic ties between Ireland and New Jersey.

The Murphy administration reports that the purpose of this Choose New Jersey trip is to promote investment opportunities in New Jersey, and to strengthen educational and cultural ties between the state and Ireland. The mission trip was announced on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day.

“As Ireland continues to position itself as a global leader in key areas such as technology and life sciences, we want to ensure that New Jersey is the leading choice for companies looking to expand and flourish,” Murphy said in a prepared statement. “New Jersey’s innovation economy is thriving and ripe for investment, and I am excited to make the case that our state is the best place for economic growth. By deepening our cultural and economic ties with Ireland, we have the opportunity to grow our economy and generate good-paying jobs for our residents. As an Irish-American, I am proud to visit Ireland and showcase New Jersey as the best place in the country for business investments and growth.”

New Jersey Economic Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan said that New Jersey and Ireland “would each bring tremendous value to any potential collaboration, including highly educated workforces and esteemed university networks that drive innovative research.”

One in nine of New Jersey’s residents has Irish heritage.

Murphy will lead the delegation, which includes First Lady Tammy Murphy, Choose New Jersey President and CEO Wesley Matthews, Sullivan, senior administration and Choose New Jersey officials, as well as other key leaders representing the state.

While in Ireland, the governor will attend meetings with key government and industry leaders, including representatives of the technology, life sciences, pharmaceutical, and academia sectors, as well as attend company visits and announcements. Over the past five years, $285 million has been invested in New Jersey by Irish companies such as Aqua Comms, Kerry Group, Ding, Trane and QUMAS.

In 2019, Murphy traveled to India on a trade mission; the year prior he visited Germany and Israel.