MUSCAT, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- The international conference dubbed "Ocean Economy and Future Technology" kicked off on Monday in Oman with around 900 participants and 80 exhibitors from 30 countries.

The conference discussed trends related to the future of the ocean economy, focusing on oceanography, concepts and international case studies.

It also examined future ocean technologies with emphasis on operational enhancements, emerging oceanology business opportunities, regulatory challenges and the impact on current and future careers.

Addressing the opening session of the conference, Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani, secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, said that the conference was unique and Oman was the first Arab country to host the region.

Peter Thomson, UN secretary-general's special envoy for the ocean, said in his speech that the conference was a platform for discussing topics related to science and technology diplomacy and, in commercial terms, a good business opportunity for investors.

The conference will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday, focusing on themes such as ocean sustainable development, technology and innovation as well as investment in the ocean economy.