- Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of Korea to unveil vision for international cooperation in sustainable development -

  (BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA, May 30, 2023) - The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of Korea, led by Minister Cho Seung-Hwan, will host the 2023 Korea International Conference on Ocean and Fisheries under the theme of "Cooperation Towards A Better Future For Pacific Islands" at the Signiel Hotel in Haeundae, Busan, starting from 2 p.m., on May 30. This annual conference has been held since 2014 to explore ways to enhance marine and fisheries cooperation with coastal countries in Asia, Africa, and other regions.

 Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, the conference will be one of the main events of the historic First Korea-Pacific Islands Summit. It will be attended by representatives from 14 Pacific Island countries and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). From Korea, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Minister Cho Seung-Hwan of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, esteemed academics including professors from Pukyong National University and Korea Maritime and Ocean University, industry leaders from Dongwon Industries, Silla Co., Ltd, and Sajo Industries, as well as officials from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), are expected to participate.

 During the conference, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of Korea will unveil the Korea - Ocean Economy Initiative, a vision for international cooperation in ocean and fisheries aimed at sustainable development. Recognizing that challenges such as the climate crisis require collective efforts rather than the endeavors of individual nations, the Ministry will emphasize the importance of collaboration as a key message of the conference.

 Furthermore, the conference will feature presentations and discussions on climate crisis response, sustainable fisheries, and marine environmental conservation. It will also explore measures for the joint implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent as a long-term development plan for the Pacific Islands, as well as Korea's Indo-Pacific Strategy. Representatives from the Pacific Island countries will deliver speeches highlighting the significance and importance of key cooperative projects they have undertaken with Korea.

 Minister Cho of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries stated, "I hope this conference becomes a platform for finding alternative solutions for mutual prosperity and sustainable development between Korea and Pacific Island countries. To achieve this, Korea will continue to strengthen cooperation with coastal countries, including the Pacific Island countries.