site.bta Forum Discusses Opportunities for Blue Economy of the Black Sea

Forum Discusses Opportunities for Blue Economy  of the Black Sea

Sofia, March 24 (BTA) - Sofia is hosting a forum entitled "Smart
and Blue - New Opportunities for the Blue Economy of the Black
Sea", organized jointly with the European Commission. The EU
Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries,
Karmenu Vella, is taking part in the forum.

Addressing the forum on Tuesday, Transport Minister Ivaylo
Moskovski said that tapping the opportunities of the marine and
maritime sectors to achieve economic and social development is
becoming increasingly important, and that maritime countries
have to use these resources to the full.

This is particularly true of the Black Sea Region, located
between the strong economies of Western Europe and the fast
growing Far East countries. Bulgaria conducts much of its
foreign trade by sea, which causes new economic, environmental
and social problems affecting all sectors of the maritime
economy, said Moskovski. He added: "Our objective is to achieve
smart, sustainable growth of the Blue Economy, leading to job
creation and prosperity."

Moskovski identified Bulgaria's top priorities in maritime
transport: development and modernization of the port
infrastructure, better quality services, smart transport
systems, cargo security and safety and smaller harmful emissions
from shipping.

Moskovski expressed a hope that the forum attended by
representatives of the Black Sea countries would demonstrate the
shared will to work towards fuller use of the Black Sea
resources for long-term prosperity, inclusive growth, good
working conditions and job creation.