Despite its privileged location between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and its wide diversity of coastal ecosystems, Mexico has failed to turn its maritime resources into economic development, warned Lorena Rodríguez León, head of the UNAM School of Economics, who called for strengthening the country's productive structure through technological innovation and the sustainable use of the seas. During the opening of the international seminar "Toward a New Productive Paradigm for the Blue Economy in Mexico," she argued that the transition to a more sustainable economy should translate into new industrial capacities, jobs, and better conditions of well-being for the population. "The transition toward a more sustainable economy should also represent an opportunity to strengthen our productive structure, develop new technological capabilities, and generate better conditions of well-being for the population," she said. Rodríguez León proposed strengthening local productive capacities, promoting innovation, and linking value chains, without neglecting the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems. At the event, School of Economics researcher Clemente Ruiz Durán said that the so-called blue economy represents less than 0.5% of the national economy, despite the possibilities that maritime resources offer for diversifying production and generating jobs. Faced with this situation, he proposed incorporating sea-related activities into the country's industrial policy, through the construction of shipyards, the manufacture of large vessels, the development of electronic components and marine technologies. He also proposed promoting fishing, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and ocean energy—sectors that could generate new economic opportunities in coastal states. He highlighted that countries such as South Korea, China, and Japan have developed naval industries and port infrastructure, while Norway has expanded its participation in offshore wind energy generation. He considered that Mexico could draw on these experiences to strengthen its industry and develop research aimed at producing medicines, treatments, and new foods from marine resources. He mentioned that states such as Chiapas and Oaxaca could benefit from these activities through the creation of jobs and employment alternatives for sectors of the population that currently work in the informal economy. For his part, Luis Godoy Rueda, a representative of Open Society Foundations, stated that the promotion of the blue economy should be linked to the Mexico Plan, trade policy, regional value chains, and environmental transition goals. You may be interested in: PRI Senator questions discrepancy in homicide figures; "Is this about whitewashing the numbers?" she says. Sheinbaum calls the multimillion-peso payouts to former INE councilors "immoral"; notes payments of up to 13 million pesos. Two gray foxes are returned to their habitat in Nayarit; they were rescued a month ago showing signs of poisoning. Join our channel! EL UNIVERSAL is now on WhatsApp! From your mobile device, stay informed of the day's most relevant news, opinion pieces, entertainment, trends, and more. nro