Coral Gables and Aix-en-Provence could not be
better matched in their cultural, business, and academic climates. Recognizing
the potential for mutual growth from an alliance between such compatible
cities, the mayors of both municipalities signed a Sister City Agreement on
April 23, 1997, outlining cooperation in the fields of economic development,
tourism, and education. Because of their strategic locations, both cities play
equal roles as gateways to important regions. Involving both the private and
public sectors, the new relationship will help open doors for Coral Gables and
Aix-en-Provence businesses wishing to tap into new markets. Through the
agreement Coral Gables will use Aix-en-Provence as the perfect gateway to
Southern Europe and the exclusive point of contact for the Rome/Barcelona Arc.
In turn, Aix-en-Provence will use Coral Gables as the preferred gateway to the
Southeastern United States and Latin America and the exclusive point-of-contact
for Florida.
The City of Coral Gables Development Department
and its counterpart in Aix-en-Provence, Paya D' Aix Development, will further
the economic and tourism ties between the two cities through information
sharing. Both departments will:
• furnish businesses with regional commerce and
business expansion information
• provide tourist and business referrals
• inform travel agencies in the Sister market of available tourist information
in the native language
• generate business development mailings to all Chamber of Commerce members
• provide the Sister City with quarterly market updates and press releases
• create direct links with each of the area Web Sites
Additionally, the Universities at
Aix-en-Provence and the University of Miami will develop ties for students,
professors and research.
Aix-en-Provence
Rich history and recent economic growth come
together in Aix-en-Provence, making it both a city of tradition and a city of
the future. As the capital of Provence in the Middle Ages, it inherits the
universities, courts and spas that have earned it's reputation as a center for
art and culture. Current performance in industry and engineering, coupled with
its ideal location as a threshold to the Mediterranean, position it as an
important business center in today's global market.
Situated between Genoa and Barcelona, Aix-en-Provence is a natural point of
entry to the Rome/Barcelona Arc, which serves 160 million consumers. The City
is located at the Heart of one of France's densest communication networks. Just
20 minutes from the port of Marseille and 15 minutes from Marseille-Provence
International Airport, it provides convenient and direct links to the
Mediterranean countries, Northern Europe and the World.
Aix-en-Provence's growing Industrial Park, home to more than 670 businesses, is
the number one employment center in the region and a leading center for
computer-electronics, engineering, logistics, beauty, health and fitness and
environmental corporations. The following are some of the corporations with
regional offices or headquarters in the Industrial Park:
| • Hewlett Packard |
• Pomona |
• Technicatome |
| • Daniel Jouvance |
• Veritas |
|
The City's high concentration of museums,
theatres, and performance halls are important cultural resources, providing
locals and visitors with a number of activities ranging from art exhibits to
drama. Additionally, the City's three major annual events - Aix en Musique,
Festival International d' Art Lyrique and Danse a Aix - draw more than 88,000
spectators to the area.
Aix-en-Provence is also home to three Universities, Aix- Marseille I, II, and
III, specializing in Literature and Humanities; Economics and Technical
Studies; and Law, Political Sciences and Applied Economics, all of which serve
as major research centers and provide opportunities for cultural exchange.
Another important resource is the Institute for American Studies, the largest
American institution in Southern France and one that has been promoting
intellectual and cultural exchange for almost 40 years.
You can find more information on
Aix-en-Provence at http://www.aix-en-provence.com
