On 19 February, an outcome presentation and business matching event for the ASEAN Blue Economy Innovation Project, implemented with the cooperation of ASEAN, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Japan, was held. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community, Mr. Norimasa Shimomura, Resident Representative of UNDP Indonesia, and Ambassador Kiya, as well as delivered opening remarks. There were also many participants including 60 innovators from academic institutions, private companies, and NGOs in ASEAN and Timor-Leste, as well as public and private partners including Japanese companies.
 
At this event, 60 innovators that Japan has been supporting since last year through the ASEAN Blue Economy Innovation Project presented their innovative ideas, implementation progress and their effects, and sought matching with companies. The blue economy is a field that is expected to make a significant contribution to sustainable development worldwide. We hope that this business matching will contribute to the sustainable development of ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific region.
 
In this area, in order to realize the “Osaka Blue Ocean Vision” which was shared at the G20 Osaka Summit, the Government of Japan has launched the “MARINE Initiative” to advance effective actions to combat marine plastic litter at a global scale focusing on (1) Management of wastes, (2) Recovery of marine litter, (3) Innovation, and (4) Empowerment, and will continue promoting efforts in this field.
 
〇 Ambassador’s opening remarks (PDF)
〇 UNDP’s event special website
〇 Overview of the ASEAN Blue Economy Innovation Project (PDF)