What they say

We are quite aware that the ocean is tridimensional and borderless. That is the reason why we are very keen to cooperate and learn from other countries' experiences, in all ocean fields. Coordination and collaboration is a cornerstone of success for governments to achieve an efficient use of their resources. That is why it is so important to strengthen the coordination with mechanisms like the one we are preparing between China and Portugal.

Ana Paula Vitorino, minister of the sea of Portugal

It is the first time that my country had participated in this event. The "blue economy" has become an important pillar for development in many countries. The ocean week in Xiamen brings together many countries at different levels of implementing their blue economy and we are going to share experiences. China is very advanced in the development of the blue economy. We look forward to learning what China is doing and having a very good partnership with China.

Fong Weng-Poorun, senior chief executive of the Ministry of Ocean Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping of Mauritius

The Chinese government stands ready to promote the establishment of blue partnerships with other countries in the spirit of mutual respect, equality and cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win results; to promote blue partnerships with other countries; and facilitate economic globalization of an open, inclusive, balanced and win-win nature.

Zhang Zhanhai, director of the Department of Strategic Planning and Economic Development at the State Oceanic Administration

Oceans are closely related to the survival and development of mankind. With the acceleration of industrialization and urbanization, increasing marine debris has become a global marine environmental problem, seriously threatening marine ecological security, food safety and public health. As an emerging, marine debris has drawn great attention from countries and related international organizations.

Chen Yue, director of the Department of International Cooperation at the State Oceanic Administration

Xiamen is closely connected to the ocean. The city has been listed in China's first batch of pilot zones for marine ecology. To conserve the oceans is to protect Xiamen's future. Xiamen has pooled efforts in debris prevention and management in the conservation of the oceans. Xiamen is committed to contributing to the global marine environmental protection.

Huang Haining, an official of the Resource and Environmental Protection Department at the Oceans and Fisheries Bureau of Xiamen

(China Daily 11/07/2017 page7)