3rd China-Indian Ocean forum in Yunnan stresses regional cooperation in blue economy
The third China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation was held in central Yunnan’s Kunming city on December 15-16, highlighting blue economic development and cooperation between China and the Indian Ocean rim countries.
The third China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation opens in central Yunnan’s Kunming city on December 15.
Wang Yong, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said that with the joint efforts of China and countries in the Indian Ocean region, the China-proposed maritime community of shared future is developing from a Chinese initiative to an international consensus, and from a blue concept to a practical action.
China is willing to deepen pragmatic cooperation with other countries, pool consensus on sustainable marine development, strengthen maritime dialogue and consultation and boost mutual learning of marine cultures, so as to ramp up the development cooperation in blue economy and realize the harmonious coexistence between man and the ocean.
Attendees at the opening of the third China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation
Wang Ning, secretary of the CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee, said that Yunnan is building itself into the Chinese pivot of opening-up to south and southeast Asia. By giving full play to its role as a gateway to the Indian Ocean region, the province will push forward easier facility connectivity and closer economic cooperation.
The Yunnan Party chief added that by expanding people-to-people exchanges and carrying out more effective cooperation in poverty reduction, the province will enhance its position as a regional hub for win-win development between China and the Indian Ocean region.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari makes a video speech at the forum opening.
Luo Zhaohui, head of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, said that blue economy has become a top priority in global-policy documents such as the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goal, the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) and the Global Development Initiative.
As a member of the "Global South", Luo noted, China has always stood with the regional countries through thick and thin, especially with the island countries in the Indian Ocean. China is willing to work with other parties to support island countries in moving towards more resilient and lasting prosperity.
Attendees at the opening of the third China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation
Reginald Farley, president of the Senate of Barbados, spoke highly of Barbados-China friendly relations during the regional forum, saying that his country is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Yunnan for mutual benefits and win-win results.
Fishery and tourism are the two main sources of income in Maldives, yet both are being seriously affected by climate change in the country. "Marine pollution and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing have made our economy difficult in dealing with the long-term consequences,” said Hussain Mohamed Latheef, vice president of the Republic of Maldives.
Attendees at the opening of the third China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation
Latheef added Maldives is doing its best to adapt to and mitigate the impact of climate change with limited resources. “Maldives and China signed agreements to strengthen blue economic cooperation earlier this year. As a global leader in ocean affairs, China has always been a reliable partner of the Maldives,” he said.
Kan Zaw, Union Minister at the Myanmar Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations, said the Indian Ocean region presents immense opportunities for developing a blue economy, and Myanmar possesses more than 2,800 kilometers of coastline. “As Yunnan is a key player in Myanmar-China relations, the two sides need to join hands for blue economic opportunities,” noted the Myanmar minister.
VIPs at the third China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation have a group picture in Yunnan.
Reporting by Yang Meng, Zuo Chao, Han Chengyuan, Liu Ziyu and Wang Jingzhong; Trans-editing by Wang Shixue