The Second ASEAN Blue Economy Forum: Promoting Sustainable Growth in ASEAN through Innovation and Collaboration in the Blue Economy

Vientiane, 10-11 August 2024: ERIA, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas of the Republic of Indonesia, and the ASEAN Secretariat, successfully concluded the Second ASEAN Blue Economy Forum in Vientiane, Lao PDR. This Forum marked a significant step in advancing the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework, endorsed by ASEAN Leaders during the 43rd ASEAN Summit in September 2023 (ABEF).

The implementation of ABEF requires a well-considered, holistic, and practical plan. Thus, it is imperative to increase awareness within the ASEAN Taskforce on Blue Economy regarding how to implement blue economy initiatives and explore potential partnerships and collaborations with stakeholders and external partners. This will help catalyse concrete and viable outcomes in advancing the blue economy agenda in ASEAN.

At the opening of the Forum, alongside H.E. Dr Manothong Vongsay, Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR, and Adhyanti Sardanarini Wirajuda, Director of ASEAN Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe emphasised the significance of hosting the ASEAN Blue Economy Forum in Lao PDR. Despite being the only landlocked country in ASEAN, Lao PDR is rich in water resources, notably from the Mekong River. This majestic river system benefits not only Lao PDR but also Cambodia, Thailand, and Viet Nam, supporting agriculture, fisheries, hydropower, and transportation. Fisheries alone are valued at US$17 billion annually, contributing 3% to the combined GDP of the four Mekong River countries.

The Forum featured three main sessions based on the ASEAN blue economy strategies outlined in the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework. A panel on Blue Conservation, moderated by ERIA's Senior Economist, Dr Fauziah Zen, included blue economy experts such as Professor Thorjoern Larssen, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA); Marlene Nilsson, Deputy Regional Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); and Dr Pinida Leelapanang Kamphaengthong, Chief Environmental Management Officer of the Mekong River Commission (MRC). This session highlighted the need for robust institutions and effective pollution management, from microplastics to antibiotics, to protect and enhance water quality as we transition to a blue economy. The creation of protected areas is identified as a crucial measure for safeguarding water health, coastal systems, and ecosystem services.

Subsequent sessions included contributions from experts such as Dr Kanchana Wanichkorn, Director for Sectoral Development at the ASEAN Secretariat; Professor Jaehoon Lee, Senior Advisor at the Korea Industry Intelligentization Agency (KOIIA); Pudji Ismartini, Deputy Chief Statistician for Distribution and Services Statistics at BPS Statistics Indonesia; Amelia Fyfield, Counsellor at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO); Dr Leonardo A.A. Teguh Sambodo, Expert Staff for Leading Sector Development and Infrastructure at Bappenas Indonesia; Maria del Pilar Garrido Gonzalo, Director of Development Cooperation at the OECD and former Minister of Planning of Costa Rica; Nico Barito and Dr Ralph Chami from the Blue Institute Seychelles; and Brilian Perdana, Vice Chairman of the Indonesian National Ship Owners Association (INSA) and Director of Crude and Petroleum Tankers at PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS).

The Forum produced policy recommendations for ASEAN blue economy strategies to be considered during the Inaugural ASEAN Coordinating Task Force on Blue Economy (ACTF-BE) Meeting the following day. ACTF-BE, a new task force established to monitor the progress of ASEAN Blue Economy initiatives, is represented by focal points from the ASEAN Member States.

The Forum concluded with key messages from the ACTF-BE Shepherd, Dr Amalia Adiniggar Widyasanti, Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs at BAPPENAS. She emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships, financing, and capacity building in the blue economy, as well as the development of action plans and concrete projects, including ocean assets and accounting. She also expressed hope for continued momentum in advancing the blue economy, with Malaysia set to host the 3rd ASEAN Blue Economy Forum during its ASEAN Chairmanship. To close the Forum, H.E. Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Economic Community, highlighted the significance of partnerships in advancing the blue economy for the welfare of ASEAN communities, both within and beyond the region.