**Kerala’s Maritime Economy Gets a Rs 7,288 Crore Boost at ‘Blue Tides’ EU Conclave**
*Thiruvananthapuram:* Kerala’s maritime economy has received a significant boost with investment proposals worth Rs 7,288 crore emerging from the two-day Kerala-European Union conclave, ‘Blue Tides’, held recently in Kovalam. Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian announced this development during the conclave’s valedictory session on Friday.
The proposals were submitted by 28 investors, reflecting strong interest in Kerala’s fisheries and maritime sectors. The European Union, a key partner of the conclave alongside the Government of India, urged Kerala to establish a dedicated platform for sustained engagement with EU countries, Minister Cherian added.
“This conclave has not only achieved what it set out to do, but its outcome has exceeded expectations and set an example for the country,” said Cherian. He emphasized that the event marks the beginning of a significant push for the growth and modernization of Kerala’s fisheries sector.
Cherian also highlighted Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s inaugural remarks, wherein the CM pointed out that the conclave had opened doors for innovation and sustainable, inclusive development of both the seas and the coastline.
During the event, 28 investors signed expressions of interest, signalling their commitment to future collaboration.
European Union Ambassador to India, Herve Delphin, also addressed the conclave, sharing insights on the discussions held with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The ambassadors put forward a proposal to create an engagement platform with EU states, as part of ‘Team Europe’s’ efforts to explore multiple avenues for cooperation with Kerala.
Delphin noted that the conclave was viewed as a continuation of the global ‘blue economy’ summit held earlier this year in France. His team made considerable progress during dialogues with Kerala officials, identifying opportunities for collaboration, especially in healthcare and information technology sectors.
Recalling the panel discussions, Kerala Chief Secretary Dr. A Jayathilak pointed out that key topics included sustainability, advanced technology, climate change resilience, and global cooperation on logistics.
Kerala’s special representative in New Delhi, Professor K V Thomas, acknowledged the challenges faced leading up to the conclave but praised the strong support from the Chief Minister and the organizational capabilities of Minister Cherian for successfully hosting the event.
The conclave ‘Blue Tides’ signals a new chapter for Kerala’s fisheries and maritime industries, positioning the state as a promising hub for sustainable blue economy initiatives in collaboration with international partners.
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