Marine expo promotes global cooperation on blue economy

Officials attend a press conference for the 2026 China Marine Economy Expo in Shenzhen on Oct. 20. The expo will be held at the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center from Oct. 22 to 24. Photos courtesy of event organziers unless otherwise stated

The 2026 China Marine Economy Expo (CMEE) will be held at the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center from Oct. 22 to 24 as the city steps up efforts to become a global ocean hub.

At a press conference held Oct. 20, organizers said the expo will bring together marine industry representatives, researchers, policymakers and international organizations to explore solutions for sustainable ocean development under the theme “Digital Intelligence for the Deep Blue, Creating the Future Together.”

France will be the expo’s guest country of honor, marking a new step in the event’s efforts to expand its international reach. A 675-square-meter joint exhibition space will showcase the latest advances in marine science and deep-sea exploration through collaboration between France’s Poseidon plan and China’s “Deep Blue Million Miles” global scientific expedition initiative. The exhibition aims to promote exchanges in deep-sea research, technological innovation and global ocean governance.

A computer rendering shows the France booth for the 2026 China Marine Economy Expo, which will be held in Shenzhen from Oct. 22 to 24. France is the guest country of honor at this year’s event.

The event is expected to attract prominent international participants, including Peter Thomson, the U.N. Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, and Olivier Davor, France’s Special Envoy for the Ocean.

International cooperation will be a major focus of the Ocean Center City Forum, which will bring together nearly 50 senior representatives and professionals from more than 10 countries and regions. Discussions will cover the global marine economy, ocean governance, blue finance and regional cooperation within APEC, with an emphasis on translating dialogue into practical projects.

Participants will explore ways for Asia-Pacific economies to coordinate policies, share resources and accelerate green development. Topics will include coastal resilience, blue carbon, marine ecosystem protection and sustainable urban development, building on regional cooperation initiatives and the work of the International Mangrove Center.

Visitors examine a model of an offshore oil and gas platform at the 2025 China Marine Economy Expo, held at the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center from Oct. 28 to 30 in 2025. Shenzhen Special Zone Daily

The expo comes as Shenzhen expands its marine economy and innovation capacity. The city’s gross marine product reached 570.49 billion yuan (US$84.9 billion) in 2025, while its port handled 35.4 million twenty-foot equivalent units of containers. 

More than 350 exhibitors are expected to participate, showcasing advances in marine equipment, renewable ocean energy, marine biotechnology and deep-sea technologies. Nineteen marine technology products are scheduled for their first public release, trial or deployment.

Alongside the expo, International Ocean Week will run from Oct. 22 to 26, featuring international visits, technology demonstrations and activities focused on ocean governance.