Phoenix is looking to add a few more sister cities.

Arizona’s capital has 11 sister cities across the globe but is looking to add up to five more in the next five years.

The relationships are largely based around economic development, with the city’s Community and Economic Development Department helping businesses in the foreign cities set up operations in Phoenix or local companies start operations abroad. There are other partnerships such as foreign exchange student programs that are part of the sister cities.

The Phoenix Economic Development and the Arts Commission on Wednesday unanimously recommended for approval five more years of funding for the program, which began in 1976.

“I think it really does provide significant economic development to the city of Phoenix,” Councilmember De

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