"For us, it is not about sustainable ocean strategy, but what we really need in our region is the ability to increase the added value of traditional products into commodities with higher value, so industrialization becomes very important," NTB Governor Zulkieflimansyah stated at The National Blue Agenda Actions Partnership, part of the G20 Summit series, in Bali on Monday (November 14).
Based on a release received here on Tuesday, the governor explained that knowledge of science and technology is crucial for the success of the industrialization program.
As a supportive measure, the provincial government offers scholarship to the younger generation in the region to study abroad and learn about technology in the field of fisheries and maritime affairs.
"To support our industrialization program in traditional commodities, we can send more students to various countries in Eastern Europe, especially in areas where there is marine technology," he stated.
Apart from studying and becoming experts, the scholarship recipients are also expected to attract investors from the country where they are studying to come and invest in NTB.
In addition, the presence of investors and various international events has pushed the province to improve the quality of local products, especially those made by micro, small, and medium (MSMEs), to achieve great standards.
"We are very fortunate to host various international events. This accelerates MSMEs to improve the quality of their local products. Now, we are able to present products with good standards for the global audience,” Zulkieflimansyah remarked.
Meanwhile, Indonesia and the United Nations (UN) are cooperating to accelerate the implementation of the National Blue Agenda Actions Partnership in developing a sustainable and healthy maritime environment.
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Translator: Irmansyah, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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