Ang Chin Hup, senior researcher at the Maritime Institute of Malaysia, delivers his speech at the conference. (Photo: VNA)

Ang Chin Hup, senior researcher at the Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA), said the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) can set an example for East Sea coastal countries. The IORA has identified four priorities - fisheries and aquaculture, seaports and shipping, renewable ocean energy, and offshore hydrocarbons and seabed minerals.

Countries in the East Sea and Indian Ocean face similar challenges, as they depend on living and non-living natural resources in the sea for food, trade, transportation, and security, said Ang Chin Hup. 

The 22-member IORA was founded in 1997 to promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.