GOVERNOR CORZINE SLATED FOR OFFICIAL VISIT TO ISRAEL

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

July 14, 2008

Contact: Sean Darcy
Jim Gardner
609-777-2600


TRENTON -- Governor Jon S. Corzine will embark on his first official visit to Israel this week, with a focus on identifying new opportunities to foster trade, investment and commercial relationships between New Jersey and Israel.

  The Governor will concentrate on business opportunities in industries that include stem cell research, alternative energy, green technologies, and research and development in other high technology fields. During his visit, Governor Corzine will meet and open dialogue with high-level government officials and key business leaders.   

“New Jersey’s unique position as a gateway to the nation’s major markets offers us a tremendous opportunity to forge new economic relationships that will be beneficial to all concerned,” Corzine said. “Israel has emerged as one of our state’s most important partners in terms of both economic and cultural exchanges, and I look forward to furthering those relationships.”

  In addition to economic development opportunities, Governor Corzine looks to strengthen cultural ties during the visit. New Jersey entered into its first sister-state agreement with Israel in 1988, and since then, has signed five additional Memoranda of Understanding to provide platforms for bilateral initiatives in the areas of the life sciences, high-technology, research and development, environmental technology, culture and educational exchanges.   

Israel is one of New Jersey’s top international markets, growing 195 percent from 2006 to 2007. Israel now ranks as New Jersey’s ninth largest trading partner in 2007, up from 22nd in 2006.   

The Governor’s schedule will include stops in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, as well as several other cities in Israel.  Traveling at the invitation of the Government of the State of Israel, the Governor’s visit is being organized in cooperation and partnership with the Consulate General of the State of Israel in New York.

  Governor Corzine is tentatively schedule to depart July 19.