Japan-Italy, cooperation opportunities on the Blue Economy

(ANSA) - TOKYO, 01 NOV - The theme of the Blue Economy and the marine ecosystem, with a focus on the sustainable use of resources, technological innovation in maritime infrastructures, and the development of mobility, were the topics at the centre of the event organised by the Italian Embassy in Tokyo, bringing together experts in the sector, foundations, politicians and law enforcement officials, and entrepreneurs. The initiative is part of the 'Strategic Partnership' between Italy and Japan signed in January 2023 in Rome, and directly linked to the 'Bilateral Action Plan 2024-2027' (BAP), agreed last summer by the prime ministers of the respective countries on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Puglia.
    Among the topics dealt with in the bilateral Action Plan is cooperation in the maritime and fishing spheres, as illustrated in a video message by the Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida, with the primary objective of strengthening scientific and technological cooperation between the two nations, through the promotion of sustainable and innovative practices: "Italy and Japan attribute a fundamental value to the Blue Economy for the country system, because both, due to their territorial conformation and geopolitical connotations, have historical and cultural roots that mark a very close link with the sea.
    On the same wavelength was the Italian Ambassador to Tokyo, Gianluigi Benedetti: 'Everything that falls under the Blue economy is a priority for Italy and Japan, both from an economic point of view and from the point of view of the environmental sustainability of the planet. So, clearly this is an area in which industrial partnership collaborations, but also scientific and technological ones, can certainly lead to important results'.
    The debate was an opportunity for international players, including Sasakawa and the Nippon Foundation, who work closely with the Tokyo government, civil society and Japanese industry, while at the same time acting as an interface between the country and the outside world. "Japan knows it has great resources, great capabilities, great assets," Fabrizio Bozzato, Director Ocean Policy Research Institute at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, explained to ANSA. "On its own it can set itself major goals, but, knowing how to choose partners - and Italy is a partner of choice in many respects - Japan knows it can achieve those goals in less time and with greater results. And the same is true for Italy. So we are faced with a partnership that is actually a synergy that can only improve the results and national capabilities of both partners'. A concept shared by the president of Sasakawa himself, Satsushi Sunami, in video link to the forum: 'The importance of these discussions cannot be overestimated, because they open the way to a future of shared prosperity and sustainable development. Cooperation between Italy and Japan in this area is of paramount importance due to their deep historical ties and substantial maritime heritage. By working together, we can leverage our complementary strengths to unlock the full potential of the Blue Economy'.