EU Ambassador Herve Delphin hails Kerala’s potential, calls for deeper cooperation at Blue Economy Conclave 2025
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Kerala-EU Blue Economy Conclave Kicks Off with Big Praise for God’s Own Country
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan joined leaders at the Blue Tides – Kerala-European Union Blue Economy Conclave 2025 in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. The event brought together top officials to boost ties in sustainable ocean-based growth, and European Union Ambassador to India Herve Delphin showered praise on Kerala’s vision while pushing for stronger EU-India cooperation.
Delphin kicked things off by thanking the hosts. "Thank you for inviting us to God’s Own Country," he said, speaking for the 18 EU ambassadors and representatives. He commended the Kerala government and the Chief Minister for organizing the conclave and offering such warm hospitality. "I really appreciate your incredible efforts," he added.
He couldn’t stop raving about Kerala’s rich culture, especially after an evening showcase of the state’s spices, traditions, arts, and fresh seafood. "It was simply awesome," Delphin shared, highlighting how these elements make Kerala so special.
The ambassador called the Kerala-EU conclave a game-changer, especially since it aligns perfectly with the EU’s fresh policy document on the new EU-India strategic agenda. He broke down the five key pillars: boosting prosperity and sustainability, advancing technology and innovation, strengthening security and defence, improving connectivity, and expanding skills, mobility, and education.
Kerala holds a special spot as the first Indian state where the EU is rolling out its direct outreach approach. "You’re the very first one implementing this new strategy," Delphin noted, emphasizing the state’s pioneering role in EU-India blue economy partnerships.
Drawing from history, he reminded everyone of the ancient links between Europe and Kerala. Over 2,000 years ago, during Roman times, traders swapped spices, ivory, precious gems, and textiles along what he called the "golden road." These old ties set the stage for today’s blue economy collaboration.
Delphin highlighted Kerala’s huge potential in the blue economy, from ports and shipping to aquaculture, coastal tourism, and research. With its 600-kilometer coastline, strong maritime traditions, and prime spot in the Indian Ocean, Kerala could become a global model for sustainable ocean growth and a key hub on major trade routes.
He pointed out the massive scale of the blue economy, saying if it were a country, it’d rank as the world’s seventh-largest economy and join the G7 club. "This shows why we must focus on it now," he urged.
On investments, Delphin said Team Europe already runs over 6,000 companies in India, creating more than 3 million jobs. But Kerala ranks just 10th among Indian states in European company presence, with a turnover of 300 million euros—100 times less than in Karnataka. "Our room to grow is enormous," he stressed.
He shared a recent visit to Vizhinjam port, Kerala’s semi-automated gem that now welcomes some of the world’s largest container ships, linking the state to the global economy. Delphin also spotlighted ongoing EU-Kerala projects, like sustainable urban development in Thiruvananthapuram, metro investments in Kochi, and clean energy initiatives. Kerala leads Indian states in circular economy and resource efficiency.
Looking ahead, the EU eyes a flood study in Kochi and new projects with Thiruvananthapuram. Delphin praised gender inclusion too, noting women in top roles at the Adani-managed Vizhinjam port. "It’s really great to see," he said.
Wrapping up, the ambassador called the conclave a launchpad for dialogue and partnerships. "It could spark a new era of shared prosperity, just like centuries ago," he concluded, setting an optimistic tone for EU-Kerala blue economy ties.
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