Bangladesh kicks off blue economy ministerial conference

Ministers and representatives from Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) on Thursday gathered in the Bangladeshi capital for a summit which aims at strengthening maritime cooperation.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka inaugurated the 3rd IORA Blue Economy Ministerial Conference (BEC-III) titled "Promoting Sustainable Blue Economy, making the best use of opportunities from the Indian Ocean", Xinhua news agency reported.

The conference was preceded by a working session on Wednesday to discuss the means and ways to strengthen blue economy implementation.

According to the World Bank, the blue economy is the "sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem".