The region s commercial innovations, entrepreneurial spirit, venture capital, and information technology industries play a vital role in the global economy, and many nations now look to Silicon Valley as the model to emulate. As such, San Jose receives considerably more international attention than most other cities across the nation. American Airlines recent announcement of direct flight service from San Jose to Paris and Taipei underscore the importance of San Jose and Silicon Valley in the world economy. Exports and foreign investment are key reasons that San Jose is recognized as having one of the nation s foremost international economies. Export opportunities for local businesses and foreign investment in San Jose are the two primary objectives of the City s involvement in international business activities.
Exports contribute significantly to the local economy through job creation and facility expansion.
Likewise, foreign investment contributes to the City s revenue through sales, use and property taxes and employs thousands of San Jose area workers. Below is a summary of current international activities and programs and recommendations to enhance the City of San Jose s international business climate. Prospective Sister Cities that have similar populations, educational institutions, and an information technology economic base often have existing Sister City relationships with other U.S. cities. This precludes San Jose from forming a Sister City linkage with them because the City s Sister City policy, which is consistent with that of Sister Cities International, does not allow the City to form a Sister City relationship with cities that have a relationship with a U.S. city. The policy rationale is to discourage cities from having too many relationships that dilute their resources.