Kerala-EU Blue Economy Conclave: Delegation of European ambassadors, senior diplomats visits Vizhinjam Port
KERALA: A high-profile contingent of ambassadors and delegates from the European union (EU) countries, who turned up for a two-day conclave on blue economy that got underway here, extolled the rich coastal culture of Kerala after visiting the traditional fishing area and Vizhinjam International Seaport near Kovalam.
The September 18-19 conclave, ‘Blue Tides-Two Shores One Vision’, organized by the Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Kerala, in partnership with Govt. of India and the European Union, will focus on deepening collaborations with the EU in promoting sustainable ocean-based growth.
During the field trip, the EU envoys, delegates and diplomats also visited Kerala Arts and Crafts Village at Vellar, near here, and appreciated the craftsmen and artists for their artistic talent that was evident in the curios and handicrafts on display there.
The EU group, led by Ambassador of the European union to India Hervé Delphin, started their trip by visiting the traditional fishing area at Hawa Beach to get first-hand experience of the indigenous fishing practices of fishermen.
Some of them were elated to see the catch of the fishermen at dawn after curiously witnessing their strenuous physical effort in the sea for their livelihood. A few of them also joined the fishermen in their fishing activities.
The next destination was Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Ltd (AVPPL) where the EU group got a ringside view of the functioning of the port through a presentation made by Pradeep Jayaraman, CEO, AVPPL, and the Port’s MD Dr. Divya S Iyer. They took a tour through the port that left a deep impression on them, especially about its facilities and unique location.
The EU group included Robert Maxian from Embassy of Slovakia; Juan Antonio March Pujol, Ambassador, Embassy of Spain; Antonio Enrico Bartoli, Italian Ambassador to India; Reuben Gauci, High Commissioner of Malta; Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, Ambassador, Royal Danish Embassy; Dr. Piotr Switalski from Embassy of The Republic of Poland; Yankov, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria; Kimmo Lahdevirta, Ambassador, Embassy of Finland; Sena Latif, Ambassador, Embassy of Romania; Simon H Preker, Embassy of Germany; and Irma Sincovek, Deputy Chief of Mission, Slovenia.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan delivered the inaugural address at the conclave, being held at Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel, Minister for Fisheries, Culture and Youth Affairs Saji Cherian presided over the inaugural ceremony.
Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Rajiv Ranjan Singh; and Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Minority Affairs, George Kurian were among the guests of honour.
The meet will also be attended by diplomatic personnel, policymakers, investors, academics, and trade union representatives to deliberate on a range of topics.
It will explore Kerala’s immense potential to emerge as a blue economy hub of India by adopting sustainable and resilient practices, leveraging the EU’s expertise and the core advantages of the coastal state.