Hanoi – The management committee for the “Cooperation Mechanism for Competitive Development of Aquaculture and Small-Scale Fisheries in ASEAN (COOPMEC)” convened for the first time today, officially launching Italy’s first development cooperation project in the ASEAN region.
Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) with a budget of around €3 million, the project will be implemented by CIHEAM Bari. The event, held at the ASEAN Secretariat, was attended by Italian Ambassador to Jakarta Roberto Colaminè, Margherita Lulli (head of AICS Hanoi), and fisheries expert Roberto Ugolini from CIHEAM Bari.
“Italy is proud to work alongside ASEAN countries through COOPMEC,” said Ambassador Colaminè. “The project, conducted by AICS and implemented by CIHEAM Bari, will produce tangible results, making fisheries and aquaculture more competitive, sustainable, inclusive, and resilient.”
The initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of aquaculture and small-scale fisheries in the region through sustainable environmental management, best practice harmonization, and certification.
“COOPMEC is a concrete tool to tackle global challenges,” said Lulli. “It prioritizes sustainable resource use, income opportunities, and climate resilience in Southeast Asia.”
CIHEAM Bari Director Biagio Di Terlizzi added: “Aligned with ASEAN priorities, COOPMEC leverages Italian expertise to address sector needs, promoting sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity while strengthening long-term political, economic, and cultural ties.”