Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
INTERVIEW New Jersey governor seeks to maximize collaboration with Korea
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy gives a welcome speech at a ceremony to enhance cooperation between Korea and the U.S. state, at a hotel in Seoul, Wedensday. Yonhap
By Kim Hyun-bin
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy embarked on a pivotal visit to Korea, reinforcing the robust economic, academic and cultural bonds between New Jersey and Korea.
In an interview with The Korea Times, the governor emphasized the significance of the Korean partnership and his aim to capitalize on a unique generational opportunity for the two regions to come together to launch innovative industries and generate job opportunities for their citizens.
"Korea has been a vital partner for New Jersey in numerous aspects, encompassing economic, academic and cultural ties," Murphy said.
"Our state is home to the third-largest Korean community in the United States, and our economic relationship with Korea is worth nearly $5 billion annually. It is my goal to reaffirm our enduring connections and make a compelling case for us to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to collaborate on new industries that will benefit generations of our citizens."
The governor said despite its relatively small geographical size, New Jersey boasts exceptional advantages. It is the most densely populated state in the United States, strategically situated in the nation's most economically advantaged region. The state's highly educated and talented workforce is second to none, making it an attractive destination for businesses.
Murphy pointed out that “New Jersey serves as a critical economic hub,” with approximately 20 percent of America's GDP flowing through the state and its neighboring proximity to two major American markets, New York City and Philadelphia.
“Given our talent and location, New Jersey provides incredible value to businesses, which is what has led top-performing companies like Samsung and LG to establish their North American headquarters in our state,” the governor said.
“And we are so proud to have them and looking to forward to expand those relationships and create new ones on this trip.”
Notably, recent developments have seen the Korean government and CJ Logistics, Korea's leading logistics giant, investing in large distribution centers in New Jersey and Chicago. Murphy highlighted that this visit has further expanded the partnership between New Jersey and CJ.
During his visit, he signed a new research collaboration between CJ and Princeton University, the number-one ranked American institution of higher learning, located in Princeton, New Jersey. This collaboration is poised to unlock a new wave of innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
The visit also focuses on creating new partnerships between New Jersey and Korean universities and companies, fostering research and innovation opportunities. In addition, trade missions and delegations are being established to deepen ties with other international biotech centers, strengthening global collaborations.
Murphy announced a landmark agreement between New Jersey and Korea, referred to as the "driver license reciprocity" agreement. This agreement simplifies life for Korean citizens in New Jersey and New Jersey residents in Korea. Under this agreement, individuals with a valid Korean driver's license can drive in the U.S. using their existing license while they settle into New Jersey, without the need for exhaustive testing.
Murphy underscored the shared similarities between Korea and New Jersey, emphasizing their outstanding workforces, world-class transportation systems, and remarkable track records in incubating groundbreaking innovations.
“Our workforces are second-to-none. Our transportation systems are world-class. And our track-records in incubating game-changing innovations are unrivaled,” Murphy said.
The governor emphasized that New Jersey is also celebrated for offering the highest quality of life compared to any state in America, with the nation's number-one ranked public education system and a strong commitment to public safety and individual rights and freedoms.