JAKARTA, July 14 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia will host an international blue economy forum in Banyuwangi district, East Java province, from Friday to Saturday, bringing together ASEAN member states and partner countries to exchange best practices on sustainable ocean-based development.
The ASEAN-ID Blue Forum will be jointly organized by Indonesia's foreign affairs and maritime affairs and fisheries ministries, in cooperation with New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Adhyanti Sardanarini Wirajuda, an official with Indonesia's Foreign Ministry, said on Monday that Banyuwangi was chosen because of its success in integrating marine conservation with fisheries, tourism, small businesses and community empowerment.
She said the district offers a development model that Indonesia hopes to share with other participating countries.
The forum is expected to draw representatives from ASEAN member states, East Asia Summit participating countries and members of the Pacific Islands Forum, with discussions aimed at strengthening regional cooperation on the blue economy and sustainable marine resource management. ■