Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is set to host the two-day Blue Economy conclave from September 18, bringing together over 500 delegates from India and Europe to explore sustainable ocean-based growth and cross-border partnerships.

The event, titled ‘Blue Tides – Two Shores One Vision’, will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on September 19 at 9.30 am. Minister for Fisheries, Culture and Youth Affairs Saji Cherian will preside over the ceremony, while Ambassador of the European Union to India and Bhutan Hervé Delphin will deliver the keynote address.

Organised by the Department of Fisheries, Government of Kerala, in collaboration with the Government of India and the European Union, the conclave aims to position Kerala as a resilient coastal economy by leveraging European expertise and the state’s marine strengths.

“The event will foster EU–Kerala partnerships in marine logistics, fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism, renewable marine energy and green technologies,” Cherian said. He added that the conclave will also promote “skill development, academic collaboration, labour mobility, policy innovation, joint R&D and startup innovation.”

A special presentation showcasing Kerala’s potential in the fisheries sector will be held for EU delegates on September 18. “Selected 100 investors from India and abroad will take part in the conclave. Besides, representatives of trade unions in the fisheries sector, heads of various departments and universities will also attend,” Cherian noted.

So far, 17 European nations— Finland, France, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Denmark, Bulgaria, Austria, Malta, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Romania and Germany—have confirmed participation.

Union Ministers Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Sarbananda Sonowal and George Kurian will be among the guests of honour. Other dignitaries include Administrator of Union Territories Praful Patel, Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal, Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan and business leaders M A Yusuff Ali and T S Kalyanaraman.

The conclave will feature panel discussions with EU Ambassadors, investors and officials from Central and state governments. Policy leaders, academics and innovators will share insights on building a sustainable future for Kerala’s coastal economy.

PTI