Kerala Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian is excited about the buzz around the upcoming EU-India Blue Economy Conclave. Speaking to reporters on Friday, he shared that the response has been “very encouraging,” with 21 countries already confirming their participation. The two-day event kicks off on September 18 in the scenic beach town of Kovalam, Kerala.
Cherian explained that the team invited representatives from 29 European Union countries, and 17 have firmly said yes so far. “We’re hopeful four more will join, making it 21 in total,” he added. “Our goal is to showcase opportunities and encourage these nations to invest in Kerala’s blue economy.” The conclave, themed “Blue Tides — Two Shores, One Vision,” will gather policymakers, investors, academics, and innovators from Europe and India to brainstorm ideas.
Adding star power, EU Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Herve Delphin, will attend, highlighting Europe’s keen interest in Kerala’s thriving maritime sector. The event is a joint effort by Kerala’s Department of Fisheries, the central government, and the European Union.
At its heart, the conclave aims to position Kerala as a top blue economy hub in India. With its vast coastline and rich maritime heritage, the state is ready to team up with EU experts on marine innovation. “We’re drawing a clear roadmap to make this happen,” Cherian said. He recently visited France to drum up support for the gathering.
So far, countries like Finland, France, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Denmark, Bulgaria, Austria, Malta, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Romania, and Germany have signed on. Expect lively sessions where experts discuss everything from modernizing coastal infrastructure and boosting aquaculture exports to sparking local startups, joint research, labor mobility, and fresh policy ideas.
This comes at a great time for Kerala, as its seafood exports are surging thanks to the EU’s recent nod to 102 new fishery units. It’s a big win that cements the state’s role as India’s key gateway to European markets in the blue economy space.
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