On December 29, 2024, at the RCEP Youth Dialogue on Marine Economy, themed "Promoting Connectivity of Regional Marine Economy," organized by the China Institute for Reform and Development, the China Oceanic Development Foundation, and co-organized by the Hainan Institute for Free Trade Port Studies, experts from regional think tanks concluded that advancing connectivity for marine economy is a key step towards achieving regional blue economy integration and promoting the establishment of blue economy partnerships. In light of this, the attending think tank representatives launch the following initiative:

Jointly Promote Marine Infrastructure Connectivity with a Focus on Ports

China and ASEAN countries should jointly invest in upgrading and expanding existing port capacities and facilities, focusing on addressing gaps in regional coastal marine infrastructure. This can include the establishment of port industry network led by enterprises, creating a cooperation network based on China-ASEAN coastal port cities, and promoting the alignment and standardization of service standards and operational processes. Facilitate the sharing of information and business collaboration between ports, as well as the joint development and sharing of maritime routes, to build an efficient and convenient shipping network. Establish an institutionalized management model to strengthen the long-term planning of regional marine infrastructure and industrial cooperation.

Jointly Construct a Large Marine Tourism Market with a Focus on Cruises

China and ASEAN should jointly integrate marine tourism resources, design regional cruise routes, develop cruise tourism products with island destinations as the main focus, create signature routes like the "Pan-South China Sea Cruise Tour." Facilitate tourist visa processes across countries, establish an island tourism industry network, and align industry standards, product standards, and management standards. Establish a multilateral and bilateral dialogue mechanism for cruise tourism coordination to jointly develop cruise industry standards, and collaborate on cruise tourism development, route planning, and joint talent cultivation. Strengthen financial support to provide funding assurance for tourism projects and promote the sustainable development of related markets.

Jointly Promote Connectivity in Rules and Standards of Marine Economy 

Establish a mechanism to align rules and standards in areas such as marine transportation, marine environmental protection, marine crisis rescue, marine scientific research, and technological innovation, to promote mutual recognition of standards in China-ASEAN marine sectors. Based on the regional port industry network, establish a coordination mechanism for marine transportation and logistics cooperation first. Create a platform for consultations and dialogue on marine, maritime, and shipping regulations and standards, and jointly formulate regional standards for shipping, customs, inspection, and quarantine, promoting the interoperability and coordination of rules and standards. Promote legal connectivity and collaboration in the marine industry and marine economy, and establish an appropriate legal framework to provide legal and technical support for regional sustainable development.

4. Jointly Build the Cultural Foundation for Marine Economy Connectivity

Collaborate to host marine cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and other marine cultural exchange and tourism activities, build a regional cultural exchange platform with participation from both governments and the public, and promote the shared prosperity of marine culture. Leverage the role of think tanks to advance academic exchanges and cooperation on marine economy topics, as well as joint research and project collaboration on key marine economy issues. Strengthen disaster prevention and reduction awareness and capacity building within the region, and promote cooperation and learning in climate change and marine ecological protection. Additionally, launch initiatives such as the establishment of a youth marine expert exchange program to promote youth exchanges and cooperation in the field of marine economy.

The think tank representatives here agree and advocate for: looking to the future, actively playing the role of think tanks, collaborating to establish platforms for industry-academia-research exchanges, jointly conducting research projects and trend analyses on marine industries, and striving to advance China-ASEAN marine economy connectivity, making positive contributions to the integration of the blue economy.