a. There is established in the Division of International Trade in the Department of Commerce and Economic Development, an Office for Sister State Relations. This office shall have as its primary function, the development and implementation of a “Sister States Initiatives Program” to focus the attention and efforts of this State on particular jurisdictions in other countries with which to establish a sister state relationship.

b. The Director of the Division of International Trade may appoint and employ any persons, including accountants, attorneys, persons who are fluent in foreign languages, financial advisors, and any other individuals with expertise in foreign trade or marketing, whom the office may require within the limits of available appropriations.

c. This office shall work closely with the New Jersey Department of State and the U.S. Department of Commerce in determining jurisdictions in other countries with which to establish a sister state relationship.

d. This office shall work closely with the New Jersey Department of Education to develop programs to stimulate the interest of students in the schools of the State in the culture, history, art and languages of other jurisdictions with whom a sister state relationship is formed.

e. This office shall work closely with the New Jersey Department of Higher Education to develop programs or encourage existing programs, as the case may be, for undergraduate, graduate and professional students focusing on international relations generally, and international trade specifically.

f. This office shall work closely with the Dean of Cook College and the Director of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station to develop ways in which Cook College and the agricultural experiment station can actively participate in New Jersey’s sister state relationships.

g. This office shall actively encourage businesses in New Jersey to develop their export capabilities specifically in relation to those jurisdictions which are granted a sister state designation and it shall do so by carrying out those duties already given to the Division of International Trade pursuant to section 23 of P.L.1981, c. 122 (C. 52:27H-22) and section 2 of P.L.1985, c. 160 (C. 52:27H-22.2).

L. 1987,c.334, s.2.