Governor Kathy Hochul marked the tenth anniversary of New York State’s Office of Trade and Tourism in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. The office was established in 2015 to strengthen economic, cultural, and governmental connections between New York and Puerto Rico. Over the past decade, it has generated more than $68 million in trade across sectors such as craft food, beverages, life sciences, technology, agribusiness, and tourism.
“New York and Puerto Rico share a bond that runs deep — one built on shared culture, economic strength and resilience,” Governor Hochul said. “For ten years, the New York State Office of Trade and Tourism has helped turn that connection into collaboration, fostering opportunity, creating jobs and building bridges that benefit both regions. As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to a partnership that will continue to grow, innovate and deliver for families and businesses on both sides of the water.”
The office serves as New York’s direct presence in Puerto Rico. It supports trade expansion for New York products while also helping bring Puerto Rican goods and visitors to New York. Additionally, it has coordinated humanitarian aid following major storms and earthquakes.
Over its ten years of operation, the office facilitated agricultural exchanges between growers in New York and distributors in Puerto Rico. It also promoted tourism by highlighting destinations in both locations.
A notable achievement came in 2023 when New York and Puerto Rico signed a Wine Export Agreement. This allowed New York wines to be sold at restaurants, hotels, and distributors in Puerto Rico for the first time.
The office also supported Governor Hochul’s Life Science Exchange initiative aimed at connecting startups from Puerto Rico with innovation resources in New York. In 2025 two startup bootcamps were held—one in February in Puerto Rico and another in September in New York City—with over 180 participants including 21 startups from Puerto Rico. One participant company joined IndieBio NY’s Spring 2025 cohort.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said: “The Office of Trade and Tourism has been central to New York’s relationship with Puerto Rico, creating pathways for growth in high-impact sectors. By connecting New York and Puerto Rico businesses with new markets and championing cultural exchange, NYSOTT has demonstrated the importance of sustained, on-the-ground engagement. We are proud to mark this ten-year milestone and excited for what the next decade of collaboration will bring.”
Leaders from government agencies as well as business representatives attended an event at the Old San Juan headquarters to recognize accomplishments so far while looking ahead at future opportunities for cooperation.
Empire State Development is responsible for promoting business growth throughout all regions of New York State by supporting job creation initiatives such as broadband equity programs through ConnectALL or workforce development efforts via its Strategic Workforce Development Office. The agency also helps small businesses grow through assistance centers statewide.
The Office of Trade and Tourism continues its mission by fostering international trade partnerships between both regions while providing support during natural disasters or recovery periods.
