The coastal state of Kerala will host the two-day Blue Economy Conclave beginning on September 18 in Thiruvananthapuram, bringing together experts, policymakers and industry leaders from India and Europe to focus on sustainable ocean-based economic growth.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will deliver the inaugural address of the conclave, themed “Blue Tides – Two Shores One Vision”, at 9.30 am on September 19. Fisheries, Culture and Youth Affairs Minister Saji Cherian, who announced the event at a press conference on Monday, will preside over the inaugural session. The keynote address will be delivered by Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union to India and Bhutan.
The conclave is being organised by the Department of Fisheries, Government of Kerala, in collaboration with the Government of India and the European Union (EU). Delegates from 17 European nations — including Finland, France, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Denmark, Bulgaria, Austria, Malta, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Romania and Germany — have confirmed participation.
More than 500 delegates are expected to attend, comprising Union Ministers, senior officials, academics, policy experts, trade union representatives, and investors. A special presentation highlighting Kerala’s potential in the fisheries sector will be made to EU delegates on September 18.
According to Minister Cherian, the conclave will focus on building sustainable growth through ocean-based economic partnerships. Key themes include marine logistics, fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism, renewable marine energy, green technologies, skill development, labour mobility, policy innovation, academic collaborations, joint R&D and startup innovation.
Over 100 selected investors from India and abroad will participate, exploring opportunities in Kerala’s coastal and marine economy. The event aims to chart strategies to position Kerala as a resilient model of sustainable development while leveraging the expertise of the EU.
Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh); Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal; and Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Minority Affairs, George Kurian, will attend as guests of honour.
Other notable attendees include Praful Patel, Administrator of the Union Territories of Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu; Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal; Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan; Lulu Group chairman M A Yusuff Ali; and Kalyan Jewellers chairman T S Kalyanaraman.
The conclave will feature panel discussions with Ambassadors, investors and officials from both central and state governments, alongside sessions with industry experts and innovators.
