How was Mexico? In a word—transformative.
Mexico City.-By Giovanna Aguilar, Director of Communications
New partnerships were forged, ideas flowed freely across borders, and the spirit of collaboration came alive.
Between November 6 – 9, New Jersey’s relationship with Mexico reached new heights as SHCCNJ joined Choose New Jersey and Governor Phil Murphy on the historic Economic Mission to Mexico City. It marked the first time a nongovernmental organization participated and co-sponsored a state-led international trade mission — a powerful acknowledgment of the Chamber’s growing influence as a bridge between government, academia and private enterprise.
For our SHCCNJ President and CEO Carlos Medina, the experience was more than a milestone in trade — it was deeply personal. After a year marked by loss, he described the mission as “life-changing,” a journey that brought healing through the warmth and generosity of the Mexican people. Their open hearts, he said, reminded him why SHCCNJ’s mission to uplift Hispanic entrepreneurs matters now more than ever.
Carlos reflected that the trip was more than diplomacy; it was about familia, fe, and shared purpose. He spoke passionately about how the experience reaffirmed SHCCNJ’s vision — to open doors for Hispanic-owned small businesses and nurture meaningful partnerships that transcend borders.
He also highlighted Governor Murphy’s long-standing commitment to inclusion, noting that the governor has been
“a true ally to New Jersey’s Hispanic business community — opening doors, fostering inclusion and showing up for small businesses in meaningful ways.”
Want to hear more? Carlos’s full recap dives into the behind-the-scenes moments — from heartfelt exchanges with local leaders to powerful insights on how collaboration between Mexico and New Jersey is paving the way for the future.
Governor Murphy called the mission “a testament to how business innovation, educational exchange, and cultural understanding can fuel long-term growth.”
Choose New Jersey CEO Wesley Mathews echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that “these connections will continue to create opportunities that benefit both regions for years to come.”
For SHCCNJ, the mission reaffirmed a simple truth — la unión hace la fuerza. Collaboration, trust, and shared opportunity drive real progress.
For more information, contact us at SHCCNJ.org
Highlights of the Mission
Historic Partnerships: Two landmark Memoranda of Understanding were signed — one between the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Consulate of Mexico in New Brunswick to expand worker education, safety, and training programs; and another between New Jersey City University and Fundación Universidad de las Américas Puebla (UDLAP) to promote student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and cross-cultural learning.
Trade and Innovation: With $10.6 billion in two-way trade, Mexico is New Jersey’s seventh-largest trading partner and a key ally in manufacturing, technology, life sciences, and food and beverage. The mission reinforced the shared vision of both regions to grow through innovation and sustainable development.
Educational Exchange: The delegation’s meetings with university leaders and education officials built momentum for deeper academic collaboration — linking New Jersey students and researchers with one of Latin America’s top innovation ecosystems.
Cultural Connection: Home to more than 217,000 residents of Mexican origin, New Jersey has the largest Mexican American community in the Northeast. The mission celebrated this cultural bond and the establishment of Mexico’s first consulate in the state, further solidifying ties between the two regions.
Looking Ahead to 2026: Delegates met with FIFA and Mexico City officials to discuss opportunities surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, which is expected to generate $3.3 billion in tourism for the New Jersey/New York area, creating more than 14,000 jobs and driving $2 billion in local economic impact.
