Financing the Blue Economy: Investments in Sustainable Blue Small–Medium Enterprises and Projects in Asia and the Pacific

This document examines how investment can be mobilized and aligned to support a sustainable blue economy in Asia and the Pacific, with a specific emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises. It identifies priority blue economy market segments, assesses their relative relevance across countries, and compiles standards and metrics intended to support project design, financing, and performance monitoring. The report estimates large financing gaps required to meet sustainability objectives by 2030 and explains why small and medium-sized enterprises often lack access to suitable finance, positioning them as the “missing middle” in blue economy development. It analyzes investor types, preferences, and financing instruments, and recommends establishing a blended finance platform, SME BlueImpact Asia, to connect international capital with local enterprises and help address an estimated $2 trillion small and medium-sized enterprise financing gap.