About Indian Ocean Rim Association:
- It was established in 1997 as an intergovernmental organisation of States on the rim of the Indian Ocean.
- It was formerly known as the Indian Ocean Rim Initiative and the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC).
- Objectives of IORA:
- To promote sustainable growth and balanced development of the region and member states.
- To focus on those areas of economic cooperation which provide maximum opportunities for development, shared interest and mutual benefits.
- To promote liberalisation, remove impediments and lower barriers towards a freer and enhanced flow of goods, services and investment within the Indian Ocean Rim.
- Member countries:
- It has members from Africa, West Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe and Oceania.
- It currently comprises 23 member states and 12 dialogue partners.
- Asia: India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Maldives, Oman, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
- Africa: Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Comoros, Mauritius, Seychelles.
- Oceania:
- Europe: France
- Dialogue Partners: China, Egypt, the European Union, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
- Six priority areas of IORA: Trade and Investment, Maritime Safety and Security, Fisheries Management, Disaster Risk Management and Blue Economy.
- Governance of Indian Ocean Rim Association
- Its apex body is the Council of Foreign Ministers (COM) which meets annually.
- The secretariat is based in Ebène Mauritius and is overseen by a secretary-general who is appointed for a three-year period.
