Mauritius Ocean Week 2026: High-Level Panel Discussions focus on Blue Economy as next Frontier of Development

High-level panel discussions on the blue economy as the next frontier for development were held yesterday at the Caudan Arts Centre, with the participation of the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell. The event took place on the sidelines of Mauritius Ocean Week 2026, under the theme “The Bridge to the Blue Future: Uniting Stakeholders for a Sustainable Ocean Economy.”

Other panellists were: the United Nations Resident Coordinator for the Republic of Mauritius and the Republic of Seychelles, Ms Lisa Simrique Singh; the Ocean and Fisheries Attaché / Diplomate, Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Mauritius and the Republic of the Seychelles, Mrs Delphine Goguet; and the Chief Executive Officer of Business Mauritius, Mr Kevin Ramkaloan.

The themes discussed comprised: Ministerial Leadership in Advancing the Blue Economy Frontier; The Blue Economy Pathway for Inclusive Development; and Aligning Fisheries, Tourism, and Marine Energy for Shared Prosperity.

During the discussions, Minister Boolell underscored the need for close collaboration among government, the private sector and international organisations for the blue economy to truly emerge as the next frontier of development. He noted that the Government has a responsibility to establish clear policies and stressed the urgency for the nation to fully harness Mauritius’ Exclusive Economic Zone.

As for Ms Singh, she dwelt on the global ocean economy and called for concerned stakeholders and policy makers to work together at the local level so as to further boost the sector. She moreover outlined the need for more coordinated investment, adding that there are currently more than 25 United Nations agencies working in Mauritius.

For her part, Mrs Goguet reassured that the European Union will continue to partner with the Mauritian Government and provide support for the blue economy to become the next frontier of development. She further advocated for a secured environment for innovators and investors, and the need for the sustainable development of the ocean.

Mr Ramkaloan underlined the imperative of modernising the port eco-system, as a strong cargo movement in the country is the key for development. He also called for increased efforts to strengthen the eco-tourism sector, while emphasising the need to tap into the opportunities offered by inland aquaculture projects.

The Mauritius Ocean Week 2026 aims to position Mauritius as a leading Ocean State by focusing on: consolidating recommendations for a Blue Economy Roadmap; promoting sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and marine renewable energy; and addressing climate resilience and the protection of marine biodiversity. It follows the 9th Indian Ocean Conference, which was held in Mauritius from 10 to 12 April 2026.

05 May 2026

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Topics: Fisheries, Maritime, Ocean Economy

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