VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta - The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has said that it expects the 2023 Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Summit Forum to strengthen the blue economy program.

"(AIS is expected to) strengthen the blue economy to ensure sustainable reserves of marine food sources," Kadin's vice chairperson for maritime, investment, and foreign affairs, Shinta Kamdani, told ANTARA here on Thursday.

The AIS Summit, she said, aims to build cooperation among AIS member countries in facing common challenges, such as climate change and blue economy development.

The forum will seek solutions to connectivity problems among AIS countries, discuss ways to empower coastal communities, and handle marine pollution, she added.

"It is expected to result in ideas and innovations that can be mobilized together," she said.

The AIS Forum, which will be held this year on October 10–11 in Bali, will have four focuses: adaptation and mitigation against climate change, promoting a sustainable blue economy, handling plastic waste in the oceans, and strengthening sustainable maritime governance.

Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment Ayodhia Kalake said the AIS Forum Summit is a follow-up to the 4th AIS Ministerial Meeting held in Bali on December 5, 2022.

Meanwhile, marketing director for strengthening the competitiveness of marine and fisheries products at the Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) Ministry, Erwin Dwiyana, said that his side will carry out priority programs to promote the principle of sustainability, blue economy, and marine habitat preservation.

Earlier, head of the AIS Forum Secretariat, Riny Modaso, said that island and archipelagic countries need to strengthen collaboration in facing their common challenge, which is climate change.

Indonesia has invited 51 countries to the meeting, and at least 25 heads of state are expected to participate in the forum.

The high-level meeting is deemed essential to further concrete actions and cooperation among AIS countries. (Antaranews)