#China #Guangzhou #International Cooperation #Sustainable Finance #Blue Economy

Strengthening Global Ties in the Blue Economy

In a significant event during the 2025 Pearl Bay Climate Investment and Financing Conference, experts from Spain and Brazil convened virtually to discuss the pressing need for international cooperation in the blue economy and sustainable finance. This sub-forum, titled "Strength from the Sea - Activating Blue Carbon Momentum to Support High-quality Marine Economy," highlighted the role of oceans as a vital resource for economic growth while stressing the importance of sustainable practices.

The discussions were enriched by contributions from prominent academicians and industry leaders. Ramón Boixados, who serves as a Visiting Professor at ESCP Business School in Paris, emphasized the strategic importance of oceans. He pointed out that they are critical infrastructure for global supply chains, transforming how we perceive and utilize marine resources.

Similarly, María Jose García López from King Juan Carlos University underlined the increasing necessity of sustainable finance in propelling the blue economy. She advocated for the establishment of unified blue-finance standards to guide investments towards ocean preservation. By doing so, we can foster a balanced relationship between ecological sustainability and economic advancement.

The dialogue was equally compelling from the Brazilian perspective. José Ricardo dos Santos, the CEO of LIDE, articulated the need for enhanced marine-economy cooperation, particularly in strengthening the China-Brazil relationship. He highlighted the promising growth potential in sectors such as offshore wind power and high-value fisheries, which could greatly benefit from dedicated ocean-economy funds aimed at sustainable development.

Furthermore, economist Hsia Hua Sheng from Brazil's Fundacao Getulio Vargas noted that China's capital market has a pivotal role in nurturing sustainable finance initiatives in Brazil, emphasizing the need for holistic policy frameworks that promote blue-carbon finance.

The overarching sentiment from the conference pointed to the agreement among experts that fostering the blue economy is intrinsically linked to achieving high-quality development. Recommendations varied from improving policy structures to encouraging innovative investment mechanisms and mobilizing social capital. This collaborative approach could enhance marine ecological protection while ensuring sustainable resource utilization.

The forum, hosted collaboratively by the Xinhua News Agency's brand work office, its Guangdong Bureau, and the China Economic Information Service, took place from December 9 to 10 and showcased sub-venues not only in China but also in the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Spain. By establishing this international dialogue, participants hope to pave the way for actionable strategies that would benefit the blue economy across borders.

This gathering underscores a vital recognition: that the oceans are not merely resources to exploit but ecosystems that require considerate management and innovative financing solutions. As the world grapples with climate change and environmental degradation, the insights shared during this conference may prove crucial in shaping a sustainable future for our oceans, ensuring that they continue to provide for generations to come.