As co-chairperson of the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to India Ton Sinh Thanh underscored the importance of blue economy in regional and global development, affirming that Vietnam and ASEAN member states consider maritime cooperation as one of the prioritised cooperation fields with India.
Building on the success of the first workshop of its kind held in Vietnam’s Nha Trang city in November 2017, he urged delegates to raise specific proposals to foster blue economy cooperation within the ASEAN-India strategic partnership framework, as well as strengthen regional maritime connectivity.
The diplomat expressed his hope that negotiations on the ASEAN-India maritime transport agreement would soon be concluded to ensure maritime security and safety, thus creating an environment conducive to sustainable development.
Secretary (East) of India’s Ministry of External Affairs Preeti Saran affirmed that India appreciates its long-standing maritime link with ASEAN member states, adding that India will earmark US$190 billion to boost connectivity between its seaports and 27 new economic development areas in the next decade.
She invited ASEAN countries to consider joining the project, initially focusing on coastal special economic zones, investment consultation, maritime transportation, and tourism.
Vu Thanh Ca from the Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment said Vietnam has taken actions to step up its blue economy such as strengthening coastal management, mitigating illegal fishing, improving lives of fishermen via job creation, poverty reduction, and ensuring social equality.
Participants shared the view that maritime security is crucial to developing blue economy, and proposed potential cooperation fields such as maritime connectivity, safety, and diplomacy.
