San Diego Formalizes Sister City Partnership with Marseille, France

-Editorial 

San Diego officials, international partners, and community members gathered at the Civic Center Courtyard to unveil a sign marking a new sister city relationship with Marseille, France, formalizing a partnership between two global port cities focused on trade, innovation, and economic development.

The ceremony was held alongside the third edition of the French Market, which featured French cuisine, cultural exhibits, and local vendors, transforming the downtown civic space into a public celebration of French-American ties.

Mayor Todd Gloria said the partnership reflects San Diego’s global identity and long-term economic strategy.

“San Diego is proud to welcome Marseille as our newest sister city,” Gloria said. “San Diego’s relationship with Marseille reflects who we are as a city — internationally connected, culturally rich, and open for business. From innovation and trade to education and community ties, this partnership will help strengthen our economy and deepen the connections between our two cities for years to come.”

City officials said the sister city agreement was signed last year in Marseille during a trade mission organized by World Trade Center San Diego, which included participation from Gloria and U.S. Rep. Scott Peters. The mission included visits to ports, research institutions, and innovation hubs, which officials said helped lay the groundwork for expanded cooperation.

The partnership is expected to focus on sectors where both cities have established industries, including clean energy, life sciences, maritime commerce, and advanced manufacturing.

Peters said the relationship is intended to expand economic opportunity and strengthen global competitiveness for San Diego businesses.

“San Diego is a global city, and we are more successful when we engage with the world,” Peters said. “This sister city relationship creates powerful economic opportunity. From clean energy innovation to life sciences collaboration, these partnerships open markets, support high-quality jobs, and ensure San Diego remains competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.”

He also said engagement during the Marseille trade mission demonstrated existing connections between the regions’ research and business communities.

World Trade Center San Diego Executive Director Nikia Clarke said the trade mission helped facilitate new partnerships and investment opportunities.

“At World Trade Center San Diego, we design trade missions with one goal in mind: delivering results for our region,” Clarke said. “The France trade mission strengthened research partnerships, opened doors with French investors, and created new pathways for San Diego companies to grow internationally.”

Clarke said many of the participants from the mission were present at the ceremony, underscoring the ongoing nature of the collaboration.

The event also included remarks from Adrien Frier, consul general of France in Los Angeles, who highlighted the longstanding diplomatic and economic relationship between France and the United States and the growing ties between Marseille and San Diego.

The French Market, presented by the French-American Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown San Diego Partnership, brings together small businesses, entrepreneurs, and community members while promoting cultural exchange and local commerce.

Downtown San Diego Partnership CEO Betsy Brennan said the event supports broader efforts to activate public spaces and strengthen downtown economic activity.

“This event shows how international partnerships can directly support the revitalization of our city center,” Brennan said. “By bringing global business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members together in the Civic Center, we’re activating public space, supporting small businesses, and reinforcing downtown San Diego as a dynamic center for culture, commerce, and innovation.”

The addition of Marseille expands San Diego’s network of sister cities and reinforces efforts to promote international collaboration, economic development, and cultural exchange.