European Union keen to tap Kerala’s potential in vital areas, says EU envoy to India

Kerala–European Union Blue Economy Conclave begins on a high note

Trivandrum / September 18, 2025

Thiruvananthapuram, Sept. 18: European Union (EU) is keen to tap Kerala’s potential in multiple sectors and deepen cooperation with the state in domains like education, shipping, logistics, fisheries and culture as it offers significant opportunities for EU nations, said EU Ambassador to India Mr Hervé Delphin here today.

Mr Delphin was addressing a joint media interaction with Shri Saji Cherian, Hon’ble Minister for Fisheries, Culture and Youth Affairs, on the sidelines of the Kerala–EU Blue Economy Conclave that got underway at Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel.

A country first initiative, the conclave began on a high note, marking a significant milestone in EU-India collaboration in sustainable and inclusive ocean-based development and economic growth.

The two-day conclave, Blue Tides, organized by the Department of Fisheries, Government of Kerala, in collaboration with Government of India and the European Union, is attended by high-profile participants, including EU envoys, sharing their insights and perspectives on deepening and broadening collaborations in the sector.

“Kerala has great potential in the areas of education, shipping, logistics, fisheries, culture and renewable energy. EU presented a new blueprint for EU-India ties last day in Brussels, so we want to extend that relations to the state-level too,” Mr Delphin noted.

Noting that 18 of 27 EU countries are attending the conclave, Mr Delphin said collaborations with India are multi-fold and multi-sectoral, aiming at exploring all avenues for possible cooperation and investment across the country.

Setting the framework for the discussions on key themes, Shri Saji Cherian had an extensive interaction with EU delegation today.

“The Secretaries of various Departments, including Fisheries, Education, Power, Port and Tourism made presentations before the EU ambassadors about the immense opportunities in the state. Besides, presentations on new long-term projects based on the opportunities were also presented,” Shri Cherian told the press interaction in the presence of EU ambassadors.

Shri Saji Cherian, said “This conclave underlines Kerala’s commitment to sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and ocean stewardship. By joining hands with the EU and the Government of India, we seek to create opportunities for our coastal communities while ensuring the long-term health of our marine ecosystems.”

Shri Abdul Nasar B, Special Secretary, Fisheries, Govt. of Kerala; and Smt Chelsasini V, Director of Fisheries, were also present at the media interaction.

The conclave assumes greater significance as future of blue economy, a critical component for both India and Europe, depends on joint initiatives and partnerships focusing on sustainable investments, collective climate action and innovation.

 This event reflects the EU’s strong commitment to deepening cooperation with India-particularly Kerala-in building a resilient and inclusive future-ready blue economy.

The European delegation, led by Mr Hervé Delphin, is joined by Ambassadors and senior representatives from 18 EU Member States.

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala Shri Pinarayi Vijayan will deliver the inaugural address to the conclave, being held at The Leela Kovalam, on September 19 (Friday) at 9.30 am. Shri Saji Cherian will preside over the inaugural function.

Union and State Ministers, entrepreneurs, senior officials from the Centre and the State, academics and trade union representatives will participate in various sessions on Friday.

The delegation is of the view that India, with its vast coastline, thriving ports, and growing expertise in marine research, aquaculture, and renewable energy, is steadily positioning itself as a global leader in the Blue Economy.

Kerala, with 600 km of coastline, an extensive network of rivers and estuaries, inland waters, and rich marine biodiversity, stands at the forefront of this transformation.

Mr Didier Vanderhasselt, Ambassador of Belgium; Mr. Nikolay Yankov, Ambassador of Bulgaria; Mr. Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, Ambassador of Denmark; Mr Kimmo Lähdevirta, Ambassador of Finland; Mr. István Szabó, Ambassador of Hungary; Mr. Antonio Enrico Bartoli, Ambassador of Italy; Mr Reuben Gauci, High Commissioner of Malta; Dr. Piotr Świtalski, Ambassador-Designate/ Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Poland; Mr. Robert Maxian, Ambassador of Slovakia; Mr. Juan Antonio March Pujol, Ambassador of Spain and Ms. Sena Latif, Ambassador of Romania are among the high-profile diplomatic participants to the event.

Also, Ms. Gisela Kristoferitsch, Deputy Head of Austria; Mr. Damien Syed, Minister-Counsellor and Deputy Head of France; Ms. Irma Sincovek, Deputy Head of Slovenia; Mr. Huib Mijnarends, Deputy Head of Netherlands; Dr. Simon H Perker, First secretary, Economic and Global affairs of Germany and Ms Cecilia Tall, Counsellor Innovation and Science of Sweden will also be part of the Team Europe delegation are attending the conclave.

 Kerala has a proud history in the blue economy, having pioneered community-based fisheries management and marine research in India. The State’s initiatives in sustainable aquaculture and coastal resilience have set benchmark.

With its unique potential linked to maritime activities and industry, coastal resilience and sustainability, high skills, wellness and tourism, Kerala presents many opportunities for European stakeholders, he said.

The Kerala–EU Blue Economy Conclave is a collaborative platform where EU expertise in the maritime domain, investment capacity, and focus on sustainable economic development and management of marine resources can contribute to accelerating India’s blue economy vision and generate mutual benefits, he added.

The conclave will spotlight opportunities across key sectors, including climate-resilient coastal development and infrastructure, harbour modernisation, logistics, shipping and connectivity investments, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture with innovations in post-harvest management, circular economy models, renewable energy and clean technologies, education, skills development and talent mobility, as well as sustainable coastal and wellness tourism.

Through policy dialogues, expert panels, and networking sessions, the conclave will serve as a platform to shape future collaborations, investment opportunities, and long-term strategies between Europe and India.

The members of the EU delegation also visited a traditional fishing village in Kovalam for a ringside view of Kerala’s traditional fishing practices, Vizhinjam International Sea Port and the Kerala Arts and Crafts Village at Vellar.

Ends