VIENTIANE, 10 August 2024 – The 2nd ASEAN Blue Economy Forum conducted in Vientiane, gathering ASEAN’s senior officials and experts from across the region to spotlight the critical role of innovation and collaboration in advancing sustainable growth. As the blue economy emerges as a new engine of economic growth for ASEAN, the Forum emphasised the importance of harnessing cutting-edge technologies and fostering regional partnerships to protect marine and freshwater ecosystems and drive economic development.

Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Economic Community Satvinder Singh delivered the closing remarks in this event, highlighting the importance of advancing ASEAN’s shared interest in blue economy to promote economic growth, social inclusion, and livelihoods. He emphasised that regional cooperation on blue economy would serve as a key part of ASEAN’s broader efforts to promote sustainability in the region, reinforcing the region’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable economic development.

Organised by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR and the Ministry of Development Planning of Indonesia with support from Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, the Forum also provided avenue for policy discussion and recommendations between the ASEAN Coordinating Task Force on Blue Economy and the wider stakeholders.