A special publication on Potential of Blue Economy by MEDC was released at the event.
In a nation’s first ever conclave on the blue economy of India, BLUECON 2019 was held from February 26-28 2019 in Navi Mumbai to spread awareness and make people realize its full potential. Jointly hosted by the MEDC and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (FICCI), under the leadership of Shri Nitin Gadkari, Honorable Union Minister of Shipping and Water Resources and Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Honorable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the event intended to promote awareness about the massive latent potential of blue economy.
The event started with an inauguration of the exhibition and showing of a film on India’s Blue Economy. Mr. Ravi Boratkar, President, Maharashtra Economic Development Council (MEDC) gave a welcome note which was then followed by chanting of the hymn Varuna Gayatri. The inauguration was done following the rich tradition in a unique way and instead of lamp lighting, water was offered through a copper vessel representing the role and importance of water in the blue economy.
Mr. Dipak Naik set the tone for the event by stressing on the need of development of Blue Economy through cohesive approach by Central and State Government and the aim to put forth various issues at hand and appealed to everybody to End our sea blindness and Awaken the Blue Economy.
Mr. Anup Mudgal, Former High Commissioner of India, Republic of Mauritius pointed out that oceans, ports etc. can sustain whole town and that the worldwide ocean economy is valued at US $1.5 trillion per year. Mr. Mudgal was also instrumental in the FICCI’s Blue Economy Task Force Report which makes a convincing argument that the oceans, with a current estimated asset value of US$ 24 trillion and an annual value addition of US$ 2.5 trillion, would continue to offer significant economic benefits both in the traditional areas of fisheries, transport and tourism as well as in the new fields of deep-sea mining, renewable energy, ocean biotechnology, seaweed cultivation and many more, only if sustainable practices are integrated into Indian business models.
Former Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy and Chairman, National Maritime Foundation, Admiral R.K. Dhowan elaborated about the history of shipbuilding in India and the role India played globally through its maritime capabilities. He mentioned that India occupies a dominant position as it sits astride busy sea lines of communication in the Indian Ocean. He opined that India’s Maritime Interests can be secured through the harnessing of Blue Economy.
Mr. Abhijeet Patil, Maharashtra Chapter Chairman, Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India mentioned about the potential of cruise tourism which is just being tapped and about Dubai Cruise Corridor Handshake and to ensure that cruise liners start visiting the Indian shore.
Mr. Mahadev Jankar, Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Development, Government of Maharashtra explained the current scenario and the potential in export and fish production. Mr. Anoop Kumar, Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Development also graced the occasion with a short speech.
A special publication on Potential of Blue Economy by MEDC was released at the event. With the government proposing to create a separate department for Fisheries and provide a 2% interest subvention on loans to fish farmers in the recent budget, the country might see an increase in the seafood export and seaweed farming.