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Key Points

The response to the upcoming EU-India Blue Economy Conclave has been very encouraging with 21 countries confirming participation. The event will be held in Kovalam on September 18-19 with the theme "Blue Tides - Two Shores, One Vision." Kerala Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian aims to position the state as a model blue economy hub by tapping into EU expertise. The conclave comes as Kerala's seafood exports receive a major boost from recent EU approvals.

Key Points: Kerala Minister Saji Cherian EU India Blue Economy Conclave 21 Countries

  • 21 countries confirm participation in Kovalam EU-India Blue Economy Conclave
  • Event themed "Blue Tides - Two Shores, One Vision" for maritime collaboration
  • Aims to attract EU investment and partnerships for Kerala's marine sector
  • Conclave jointly organized by Kerala Govt, Union Govt, and European Union
2 min read

Response to EU-India Blue Economy Conclave encouraging, 21 countries confirm participation: Kerala Minister

Kerala Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian announces 21 countries confirmed for EU-India Blue Economy Conclave in Kovalam, aiming to position Kerala as a model maritime hub.

"The whole idea is to chart a roadmap for positioning Kerala as a model blue economy hub - Saji Cherian"

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 12

Kerala Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian on Friday said that the response to the upcoming EU-India Blue Economy Conclave has been “very encouraging,” with 21 countries confirming participation so far. The conclave will be held in Kovalam on September 18-19.

Cherian told IANS that they had extended invites to 29 EU countries, and while 17 have confirmed, four more are also likely to come on board.

“So as things stand, now 21 countries will be represented, and we are trying to get others also. We will be making a presentation to get these participating EU countries to see how best they can invest here,” said Cherian.

The event, themed “Blue Tides -- Two Shores, One Vision,” will bring together policymakers, investors, academics, and innovators from across Europe and India.

The conclave will also be attended by the EU Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Herve Delphin, underscoring Europe’s growing engagement with Kerala’s maritime sector.

The meet, jointly organised by the Department of Fisheries, Government of Kerala, the Union Government, and the European Union, will be held at the famed beach tourist destination Kovalam.

“The whole idea is to chart a roadmap for positioning Kerala as a model blue economy hub, tapping into EU expertise in marine innovation while leveraging the state’s long coastline and maritime heritage,” said Cherian.

Cherian was recently in France to seek support for this high-profile event.

Countries confirming participation so far include Finland, France, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Denmark, Bulgaria, Austria, Malta, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Romania, and Germany.

Apart from showcasing a portfolio of projects to attract investment and partnerships, the conclave will also explore joint research and development, startup collaborations, labour mobility, and policy innovation.

Sessions will feature policy leaders, industry experts, academics, and investors discussing ways to modernise coastal infrastructure, boost aquaculture exports, nurture local innovation, and unlock sustainable financing.

The conclave comes at a time when Kerala’s seafood exports are witnessing a major boost following the EU’s recent approval of 102 new fishery establishments, strengthening the state’s positioning as India’s maritime gateway to Europe.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Hope this leads to real benefits for our fishermen communities and not just big corporations. The focus should be on sustainable practices that protect our marine ecosystem while creating livelihoods.
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Arjun K
Excellent! Kerala's 590 km coastline is a huge asset. With EU expertise in marine innovation, we can develop world-class infrastructure and boost exports. This could create thousands of jobs in coastal districts.
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Sarah B
As someone working in sustainable development, I appreciate the focus on joint research and policy innovation. Hope they address climate change impacts on coastal communities too.
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Vikram M
The EU approval of 102 new fishery establishments is a game-changer! Kerala's seafood exports will get a massive boost. Good to see international recognition of our quality standards. 🐟💪
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Michael C
While this sounds promising, I hope the government ensures transparency in how investments are utilized. We've seen many international collaborations fail to deliver actual ground-level benefits.
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Ananya R
Kovalam is the perfect venue for this! Beautiful location that showcases Kerala's natural coastal beauty. Hope this puts our state on the global maritime map. 🌴🌊

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