S. Korea to host APEC Ocean-related Ministerial Meeting this week

BUSAN, April 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will host an oceans ministers' meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member nations later this week in the southeastern port city of Busan, Seoul's oceans ministry said Tuesday.

The fifth APEC Ocean-related Ministerial Meeting will take place in Busan, about 325 kilometers southeast of Seoul, for two days from Wednesday, under the theme "Navigating Our Blue Future -- Connection, Innovation and Prosperity," according to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

Some 150 officials, including delegates from the 21 APEC member economies, will discuss various measures to bolster international cooperation on promoting sustainability of the oceans industry.

In detail, participants plan to exchange opinions on ways to enhance ocean resilience and conserve marine environments for sustainable economic growth.

Other topics include combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, as well as promoting economic empowerment and participation of all for economic prosperity in the oceans and fisheries sector, according to the ministry.

Oceans ministers of the APEC member countries also plan to adopt a joint statement based on their discussions, the ministry said.

nyway@yna.co.kr
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