On its 10th anniversary, the New York State Office of Trade and Tourism (NYSOTT) in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico marked a decade of facilitating economic and cultural ties with New York. Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the $68 million in trade generated and the established connections across multiple industries. "New York and Puerto Rico share a bond that runs deep — one built on shared culture, economic strength and resilience," Governor Hochul stated during a celebration attended by state and local leaders, as reported in an official announcement.
The partnership has included initiatives such as the Wine Export Agreement signed in 2023, which introduced New York State wines to Puerto Rico. The Office of Trade and Tourism has supported trade, facilitated cultural exchanges, and coordinated recovery efforts following natural disasters. For example, assistance was provided after major storms and earthquakes in the region.
As part of a recent Life Science Exchange initiative, startups from New York and Puerto Rico were connected with industry experts and investors. Two life science startup bootcamps were held, one in Puerto Rico and one in New York City, according to the Governor's office. The events brought together over 180 participants and supported companies such as Cultimar Technologies in joining IndieBio NY's Spring 2025 cohort.
Hope Knight, President, CEO, and Commissioner of Empire State Development, noted that the Office of Trade and Tourism has played a key role in New York’s relationship with Puerto Rico, supporting growth in high-impact sectors. The anniversary event also provided a forum for discussing future collaborations, while recognizing the Office’s past achievements, as stated in an official announcement.
