JAKARTA, July 5 — Blue economy has big potential to become a new engine for the development of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), said Indonesian Minister of National Development Planning Suharso Monoarfa.
He made the statement at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Asean Blue Economy Forum held in Bangka Belitung island, Indonesia, from July 2 to July 4, according to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).
The event drew the participation of hundreds of delegates from Asean countries, as well as private stakeholders and thinktank.
The minister said in the past years, the blue sea economy was not only considered a joint effort of Asean member countries to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, but also a growth engine for the region.
The transition to a blue sea economy will create an opportunity to boost Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth and assist Asean member countries to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Suharso said during Indonesia's Asean Chairmanship this year, the country is committed to building a blue sea economic framework that will serve as a platform to establish common perceptions and plans to promote the blue sea economy in the region.
The 2023 Asean Blue Economy Forum included discussions on the draft Asean Blue Sea Economic Framework, cooperation and financing of the blue sea economy, the launch of the Indonesia Blue Economy Road Map and a showcase of blue economy potential.
— Bernama
