Broward County Mayor Lois Wexler, along with Port Director Phillip Allen, signed an agreement officially linking Port Everglades to the Port of Marseille, France, as an International Sister Seaport. Under the agreement, both ports will commit to the free exchange of information pertaining to the cargo and cruise industries of each port, historical statistical information, planned seaport infrastructure developments, and general marketing research aimed at increasing cruise and cargo traffic at both ports. Launching its Sister Seaport Program in March 2007, Port Everglades has already adopted the Port of Olbia, Italy, as well as Xiamen, China, as Sister Seaports. The Port of Marseille will be the third port coming under this program. <br /><br />&quot;We believe this new relationship with the Port of Marseille will benefit economic development in Broward County by cultivating new business contacts and strengthening existing contacts,&quot; Wexler said. &quot;These sister seaport agreements also serve to improve cultural understanding and promote the economic benefits of international relationships.&quot; Added Allen: &quot;It is fitting that Port Everglades and the Port of Marseille become sister seaports because, even though we are an ocean apart, we share so much in common. Both ports have experienced successful growth and share a business model based on product diversity. Both seaports facilitate the transport of cargo, passengers and petroleum products.&quot; 