Emerging Ocean Economic Sectors

Global trade in ocean goods and services is projected to surpass $3 trillion by 2027. SIDS rely on the ocean for income, trade, food security and jobs — exporting ocean-related goods and services at ten times the global per capita average — yet face disproportionate exposure to climate risks and external shocks. Emerging ocean sectors offer a pathway to diversify exports, create quality jobs and strengthen resilience: investment across four key sectors — offshore wind, aquaculture, coastal tourism and blue biotech — grew 22-fold between 2010 and 2025, reaching $24.7 billion. This session examines how ocean-based trade can drive growth, resilience and investment for SIDS. Drawing on UNCTAD data, it marks the launch of two technical cooperation projects — in São Tomé and Príncipe and Indonesia — on coastal and marine tourism, digital services and seaweed value addition. Panellists will discuss the regulatory, skills and financing conditions needed to scale investment.