The ocean will provide new opportunities for growth for Kerala in the future. The two-day conclave organized by the Kerala State Fisheries Department in Kovalam in collaboration with the European Union and the Central Government assessed that the projects in the ocean sector will be a great achievement for Kerala. Finnish Ambassador Kimmo Lahdevirta, who participated in the conclave, had pointed out that the Vizhinjam port handled over a million containers in a year, which is a remarkable achievement. This will not fail to help attract international investors.

MoUs were signed for domestic investment worth Rs 7288 crore in various sectors including fisheries, shipping and renewable energy in the state, as part of the conclave. The conclave, titled 'Blue Tides: Kerala- European Union Blue Economy', was organized under the theme 'Two Shores One Vision'. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who inaugurated the conclave, said that Kerala sees great potential in cooperation with the European Union. Opportunities will increase for our fishermen and entrepreneurs by cooperating with the European Union. Therefore, Kerala is embracing the vision of the blue economy with utmost importance. The Chief Minister also pointed out that the partnership with the European Union, which is a global leader in marine technologies, maritime governance and sustainability frameworks, will provide an opportunity for Kerala to expand trade relations.

Ambassadors and representatives from 18 European Union countries attended the conference. The experts who participated in the conference shared their different perspectives on the blue economy of India and Europe. They also expressed their willingness to collaborate in the journey ahead. Romanian Ambassador Sena Latif pointed out that Romanian companies will have a lot of interest in Indian ports, given their years of experience in sustainable port systems, connectivity, and research institutions involving universities and port authorities.

Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian, who presided over the inaugural meeting, said that Kerala will try to show the world how partnerships across the oceans can build a brighter future through cooperation with the European Union. The visit of the 18 ambassadors to Vizhinjam is important for the state, and the rapid establishment of rail and road connectivity will open up many investment opportunities for international companies, said State Ports Secretary Dr. A. Kowsigan. Therefore, it is expected that the state government will make every effort to complete the road and rail connectivity on a war footing. The richness of the coastal region and the excellence of the infrastructure have created the possibility for Kerala to make great progress in the blue economy.