ASEAN reaffirmed its commitment to harnessing the blue economy as a driver of inclusive and sustainable growth at the Fourth ASEAN Blue Economy Forum in Manila. Discussions highlighted the importance of financing, partnerships and practical regional cooperation in strengthening connectivity, resilience and inclusivity.
Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Economic Community, H.E. Satvinder Singh, attended the Fourth ASEAN Blue Economy Forum (4th ABEF), held on 24–25 August 2026 at Makati Shangri-La in Manila, the Philippines. The forum brought together stakeholders to advance regional cooperation and explore opportunities for sustainable and inclusive growth through the blue economy.
During the high-level panel, DSG Satvinder Singh underscored the blue economy’s pivotal role in supporting inclusive and sustainable economic development across ASEAN. He highlighted its alignment with the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan 2026–2030, which provides a framework for strengthening regional economic integration and building a more resilient and inclusive ASEAN Community.
DSG Satvinder also emphasised that financing and partnerships are essential to unlocking the full potential of the blue economy. Stronger collaboration among governments, businesses, financial institutions and other stakeholders can help advance regional connectivity while strengthening resilience and ensuring that the benefits of blue economy development are shared more broadly across the region.
Alongside the forum, DSG Satvinder attended the Third Meeting of the ASEAN Coordinating Task Force on Blue Economy (ACTF-BE). The meeting advanced discussions on the ASEAN Blue Economy Implementation Plan Roadmap 2026–2030, with participants focusing on developing a roadmap that is practical, impactful and responsive to ASEAN’s priorities.
The Fourth ASEAN Blue Economy Forum and ACTF-BE meeting underscored ASEAN’s continued efforts to translate its blue economy vision into concrete regional action. By strengthening financing mechanisms, partnerships and coordinated implementation, ASEAN aims to harness its marine and coastal resources to support sustainable economic opportunities, regional resilience and inclusive growth.
Source: ASEAN
