NJEDA Releases Second-Annual Global Economic Index

The report aims to guide and further develop international business relationships with New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. (May 21, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today presented the 2025 New Jersey Global Economic Index, a report that highlights, ranks, and analyzes the sources of foreign direct investment (FDI) into New Jersey. The annual report, which was first released last year, aims to guide and further develop international business relationships with the state, while bolstering Governor Phil Murphy’s global economic development goals. The report lists 42 countries on the Global Economic Index List, which added five new countries from last year, including Malaysia, Thailand, Romania, Iceland, and Argentina. 

“Throughout my administration, New Jersey has built robust connections with important global partners – from Ireland to the Middle East, and beyond,” said Governor Murphy. “The New Jersey Global Index provides critical insights that sharpen our economic development strategy, enabling New Jersey businesses, agencies, and organizations to seize new global opportunities. This, in turn, will generate jobs, boost the economy, and unlock new opportunities for residents and communities across the state.”

The Global Economic Index indicates that New Jersey, regionally, has the strongest economic relationships with Europe, the Asia Pacific region, and North America. While Europe had the highest number of countries listed as top performers, research found that India ranked first as a global partner with New Jersey, followed by Canada, the United Kingdom, and China. The report notes that the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Israel also hold a high rank as global partners. Additionally, the Asia-Pacific region is also an area of opportunity for New Jersey, including Japan and South Korea, which ranked ninth and tenth as global partners, respectively.

“This year’s Global Economic Index underscores how far we’ve come in making New Jersey a top-tier destination for international investment,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has deepened its global partnerships and sharpened its focus on high-impact, inclusive growth. This international engagement is essential to attracting new investment, supporting business expansion, and securing the state’s long-term economic competitiveness.”

New Jersey has deepened our global partnerships and sharpened our focus on high-impact, inclusive growth. These relationships are critical to bringing new business to New Jersey, supporting local companies, and helping to drive long-term economic momentum across the state.”

During his time in office, Governor Murphy, along with the NJEDA and Choose New Jersey, has embarked on economic mission trips to India, Ireland, Israel, Germany, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and Canada. As a result, Choose New Jersey has opened offices in those countries to foster ties between the Garden State and critical foreign partners. Most recently, the delegation traveled to the Middle East, making stops in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. Governor Murphy also has plans to lead economic mission trips to Israel, India, and Mexico during his final year in office.

“The Global Economic Index reinforces what we see every day at Choose New Jersey — that international interest in New Jersey is growing and diversifying,” said Wesley Mathews, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey. “This data-driven report gives us a strategic advantage as we engage with partners abroad, showing where our strengths lie and where new opportunities are emerging. It’s an essential tool for advancing our mission to attract investment and jobs to New Jersey.”

“This report represents a fresh approach to examining our international economic relationships which are critical drivers for job creation in New Jersey,” said NJEDA Director of International Innovation and Partnerships Andrew Gross. “By tracking the sources of global investment into the state, we have gained deeper insights into New Jersey’s international connections and can continue to promote growth in areas where economic engagement has been limited.”

Developed by the NJEDA Office of International Innovation and Partnerships, with support from the Department of Economics and Data Analytics, the 2025 New Jersey Global Economic Index launched at an event today hosted in the NJEDA’s Newark office for international diplomats and economic promotion organizations.

The full report can be found online here.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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