Kerala-EU Blue Economy Conclave to begin on Sept 18
Two-day meet to deepen partnerships with EU
Trivandrum / September 17, 2025
Thiruvananthapuram, Sept. 17: The two-day Blue Economy Conclave, starting here on Thursday, will focus on deepening collaborations with the European Union in promoting sustainable ocean-based growth.
The conclave, “Blue Tides-Two Shores One Vision, organized by the Department of Fisheries, Government of Kerala, in partnership with the Government of India and the European Union, will be hosted at the Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel.
Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan will deliver the inaugural address to the meet on September 19 at 9.30 am.
Minister for Fisheries, Culture and Youth Affairs Shri Saji Cherian will preside over the inaugural ceremony, where Ambassador of the European Union to India and Bhutan Mr Hervé Delphin will deliver the keynote address.
Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh Alias Lalan Singh; Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Minority Affairs, Shri George Kurian; will be among the guests of honour.
The meet will be attended by delegates from EU countries, diplomatic personnel, policy makers, investors, academics, and trade union representatives to deliberate on a range of topics.
The meet will explore Kerala’s immense potential to emerge as a blue economy hub of India by adopting sustainable and resilient practices, leveraging the EU’s expertise and the core advantages of the coastal state.
The state ministers and heads of various departments will participate in different sessions.
Also, Administrator of Union Territories of Lakshadweep and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Shri Praful Patel; Minister for Finance, Govt. of Kerala, Shri K. N. Balagopal; Leader of the Opposition Shri V D Satheesan; and Chairman & MD of Lulu Group Shri M. A. Yusuff Ali, will be present on the occasion.
Dr. A Jayathilak, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Kerala; Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Govt. of India; Shri Sibi George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India; Shri Abdul Nasar B, Special Secretary, Fisheries, Govt. of Kerala; and Smt Chelsasini V, Director of Fisheries, Govt. of Kerala, will also attend.
Key themes to be deliberated include building EU-Kerala partnership in marine logistics, marine fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism, renewable marine energy, and green technologies, promoting skill development, academic collaboration, labour mobility, policy innovation, joint R &D and startup innovation.
The EU delegates will set out for a field visit to the traditional fishing harbour, Vizhinjam International Seaport and Kerala Arts & Crafts Village near Kovalam on September 18, followed by discussions in the afternoon with the officials of various departments of Kerala Government regarding Kerala’s immense potential and possibilities in coastal and fisheries sector.
The topics to be covered include Coastal Development and Climate Resilient Infrastructures, Harbour Infrastructures, Ports, Logistics, Shipping and Connectivity Investments, Sustainable Fisheries, Aquaculture, Post-Harvest Management, Research and Investments, Green Transition: Circular Economy, Renewable/Clean Energy and Investments, ‘Education, Skills and Talent Mobility’ and ‘Coastal Tourism and Wellness (Ayush)’.
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