Kerala-EU Blue Economy Conclave Yields ₹7,288 Crore Investment Proposals

The Kerala-European Union Blue Economy Conclave titled “Blue Tides Kerala EU Conclave 2025 - Two Shores, One Vision" concluded at Kovalam with remarkable success, generating investment proposals worth ₹7,288 crore from 28 investors who signed expressions of interest during the two-day event held on September 18-19, 2025.

Partnership Platform Established

Minister for Fisheries, Culture and Youth Affairs Saji Cherian announced at the valedictory session that the conclave had "gone far beyond its initial targets and set an example for the entire country". The event marked "the beginning of a major leap forward for Kerala's fisheries and allied sectors," according to Cherian.

A significant outcome emerged as the European Union requested Kerala to establish a dedicated platform to facilitate ongoing collaboration with European nations. EU Ambassador to India Herve Delphin confirmed that "Team Europe realised there are many avenues for cooperation with Kerala," and that the ambassadors submitted a proposal to create this engagement platform during their interaction with the Chief Minister.

Chief Minister Emphasises Blue Economy Vision

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who inaugurated the conclave, articulated Kerala's approach by stating that the state is "embracing a Blue Economy Vision that balances economic growth with ecological sustainability and livelihood opportunities". He emphasised that Kerala's collaboration with the EU, "based on mutual respect and shared values, holds the potential to unlock significant opportunities for sustainable development".

The Chief Minister highlighted that Kerala is "actively modernizing its fishing harbors, promoting deep-sea fishing, and integrating new technologies, all while protecting the rights and livelihoods of small-scale traditional fishermen".

EU Ambassador Highlights Kerala's Unique Position

EU Ambassador Herve Delphin delivered extensive remarks emphasising Kerala's strategic importance. He noted that "Kerala is the first state under the EU's new approach of direct outreach to Indian states" and that "you are actually the very first one where we implement this new approach".

Drawing on historical connections, Delphin remarked: "During the Roman times, more than 2,000 years ago, Europe was connected to Kerala, exchanging goods such as spices, ivory, precious gems, and textiles. It was the golden road of the times".

Regarding Kerala's potential, the Ambassador stated: "Kerala has unique assets that can turn potential into reality, promises into development. Kerala's potential to develop its blue economy is immense, from ports and shipping to aquaculture, coastal tourism, research, just to name a few".

He also highlighted the economic significance, noting: "If the blue economy was compared to the national economy of the country, it will be the seventh largest economy in the world. The blue economy would be part of the G7 and shows the importance of focussing today on the blue economy".

Central Government Support and Vision

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh announced that ₹1,346 crore has been granted for the fisheries sector in Kerala. Singh described Kerala as "a model state in fostering innovation, sustainability, and the enhancement of livelihoods within the fisheries sector".

Union Minister of State George Kurian highlighted that "the blue economy is a significant element of the Union Government's vision for transforming India into a developed nation". Kurian referenced infrastructure expansion, noting initiatives including seven modern harbours, nine integrated coastal fishing villages, six climate-resilient villages, two advanced fish markets, and 6,500 ISRO-enabled satellite transponders for fishermen's safety.''

International Participation and Collaborative Framework

The conclave attracted representatives from 18 of the 27 EU member states, bringing together over 500 delegates including EU ambassadors, policymakers, investors, academics, and trade union representatives. The "Team Europe" delegation included ambassadors from major European nations such as Spain, Italy, Denmark, Finland, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Malta, and Germany.

EU Ambassador Delphin noted the conclave's timing significance: "This conclave between Kerala and the European Union, Team Europe, is quite unique. It really takes place just when the EU published the political vision and the policy document for a new EU-India strategic agenda".

Focus Areas and Future Collaborations

Chief Secretary Dr A. Jayathilak emphasised that the conclave addressed "diverse themes including cutting-edge marine technologies, global supply chain integration, and strategies for climate change resilience". The discussions covered "sustainability and cutting-edge technology to climate change resilience and global cooperation on logistics".

EU Ambassador Delphin highlighted collaboration opportunities "especially in fields such as healthcare and IT," noting that the conclave "builds on the momentum of the global Blue Economy Summit held in France earlier this year".

Investment Impact and Sectoral Benefits

The ₹7,288 crore investment proposals are expected to bring direct benefits to Kerala's fisheries sector, particularly in areas such as deep-sea fishing, seafood processing, and marine infrastructure. Ancillary sectors like port development, shipbuilding, logistics, and cold chain systems are anticipated to gain momentum as EU investors introduce advanced technology and sustainability practices.

The conclave, jointly organised by the Department of Fisheries, Government of Kerala, in collaboration with the Government of India and the European Union, represents a landmark initiative positioning Kerala as a model for sustainable ocean-based development and a gateway for EU-India cooperation in the blue economy sector.