Chen Shaochun, director of the Ningbo Ocean and Fishery Bureau, hosts the 5th APEC Blue Economy Forum held in Ningbo on Nov 13. [Photo/ zj.zjol.com] 

The 5th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Blue Economy Forum was held in Ningbo on Nov 13, with the aim of deepening exchanges and cooperation among APEC members in the blue economy. 

According to the World Bank, the blue economy is the "sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems."

Over 200 guests from around the world attended the forum, including representatives from 14 APEC economies and three non-APEC economies (Fiji, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh) as well as officials from the United Nations. 

They engaged in discussions about the development model of the regional blue economy, the theme of the forum, through topics including policies, practices, resource management and company involvement.

Notably, a Ningbo initiative for the APEC blue economy development was published at the forum, a response to the proposal of protecting oceans and making sustainable use of marine resources put forward in the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Cai Feng, executive director of APEC Marine Sustainable Development Center, delivers a speech at the forum. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

An official announces the Ningbo initiative for the APEC blue economy development at the forum. [Photo/ zj.zjol.com]