Embassy of Italy in Jakarta – Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, Hanoi Office – CIHEAM Bari
Joint Press Release
Hanoi, Jakarta – The Steering Committee of the initiative “Cooperation Mechanism for the Competitive Development of Aquaculture and Small-Scale Fisheries in ASEAN – COOPMEC” held its first meeting on 9th October 2025, marking the official launch of the first Italian Cooperation project within the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), under the Italy–ASEAN Development Partnership.
The initiative, financed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), has a total budget of approximately 3 million euros and it will be implemented by CIHEAM Bari.
The event, hosted at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, was attended by H.E. Roberto Colaminè, Ambassador of Italy to Jakarta, Margherita Lulli, Head of Development Cooperation at AICS Hanoi, and Roberto Ugolini, Fisheries and Aquaculture Expert at CIHEAM Bari.
“Italy is proud to walk alongside ASEAN countries in the COOPMEC project. This project, conducted by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and implemented by the CIHEAM Bari, will deliver tangible results, making fisheries and aquaculture more competitive, sustainable, inclusive, and resilient” declared H.E. Roberto Colaminè, Ambassador of Italy to Jakarta.
The fisheries sector remains vital for food security, economic development, and the livelihoods of communities across ASEAN countries. The COOPMEC initiative aims to strengthen the competitiveness of aquaculture and small-scale fisheries in the region through the sustainable management of environmental resources, harmonization of best production practices and development sector certification systems.
“Through COOPMEC, the partnership demonstrates its effectiveness in addressing global challenges with tangible solutions. The sustainable use of natural resources such as fisheries, the promotion of income-generating opportunities, and climate resilience are priority areas of our engagement in Southeast Asia” affirmed Margherita Lulli, Head of Development Cooperation at AICS Hanoi.
The project will be implemented by CIHEAM Bari, an international organization with long-standing experience in fisheries and aquaculture and a historic partner of Italian Cooperation.
“In line with ASEAN priorities, COOPMEC leverages the expertise of Italy and CIHEAM Bari to respond to the needs of the sector, promoting sustainability, innovation, and inclusiveness. The initiative aims to generate lasting benefits for local communities and to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties between Italy and ASEAN” added Biagio Di Terlizzi, Director of CIHEAM Bari.
Key activities of COOPMEC include a pilot project in Vietnam and technical training in Italy for professionals working in the aquaculture sector.