"The signing of ICCOC and the Marine Cooperation Work Plan 2011-2013 is a strong foundation for the two countries to implement marine-based economic development in the future," Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sharif Cicip Sutardjo said in a written statement to ANTARA on Saturday.
Sharif and Chinese Marine Administrator Liu Cigui signed the ICCOC in Beijing on Thursday.
Besides signing the ICCOC, Sharis and Liu also held a meeting to underscore the importance of cooperation in the marine and fishery sector between the two countries.
The Indonesian maritime affairs and fisheries minister explained that the "Blue Energy" concept that has been agreed upon was part of the marine-based economic development.
He noted that it also focuses on food security, climate change, eradication of illegal fishing, and cooperation in research and development.
"The cooperation has positive benefits to the economic upturn between the two countries, and to improve the development of human resources through trainings and higher formal education in science, technology, and the management of the seas," he explained.
(O001)
Editor: Ella Syafputri
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
