The 43rd ASEAN High-Level Plenary Summit, has managed to conceive a framework on blue economy. Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi stated that this framework marks a novel development within ASEAN.
Retno clarified that the Blue Economy Framework (BEF) is one of the nine documents adopted during the conference. She mentioned that the Indonesian government has intentions to promptly advance maritime-related agendas.
“So, there is recognition that the blue economy represents a fresh source of sustainable development,” Retno remarked on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.
Retno explained that the adoption of this framework falls under the theme of the “Epicentrum of Growth.”
The nine documents adopted during the first day of the 43rd ASEAN High-Level Plenary Summit are as follows:
- Development of disability inclusion and partnerships for a resilient ASEAN community.
- Early childhood education and nutrition.
- Gender equality and family development.
- Sustainable resilience.
- Climate change.
- ASEAN growth center.
- Food security and nutrition crisis response.
- Digital economic framework agreement.
- Blue economy framework.
Retno mentioned that the Indonesian government is currently developing a maritime agenda in the form of the ASEAN Maritime Outlook. This study document will serve as the foundation for the annual ASEAN Maritime Forum.
Retno also noted that another aspect of the government’s maritime agenda development is the acceleration of negotiations for a code of conduct in the South China Sea.
She highlighted that both of these maritime development initiatives by the Indonesian government were recorded as outcomes of the 43rd ASEAN High-Level Plenary Summit.
