The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an international organization that aims to promote regional cooperation and sustainable development among countries bordering the Indian Ocean. Established in 1997, IORA has emerged as a significant platform for dialogue and collaboration, fostering economic growth, social progress, and cultural exchange within the Indian Ocean region. This article provides comprehensive information on the IORA alliance, including its history, objectives, structure, member countries, key initiatives, and future prospects.
1. History and Formation of IORA:
IORA traces its roots back to a series of diplomatic initiatives in the early 1990s that sought to enhance cooperation among Indian Ocean littoral states. The concept gained momentum during the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in 1995 when the Indian Ocean Rim Initiative was proposed. This led to the formation of IORA on March 7, 1997, with the signing of the Jakarta Concord by the founding member countries.
2. Objectives:
The primary objectives of IORA are as follows:
a) Promote regional economic cooperation and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean region.
b) Strengthen trade and investment opportunities among member states.
c) Enhance maritime safety and security.
d) Foster cultural and academic exchanges.
e) Facilitate technological cooperation and exchange of information.
f) Promote sustainable management of marine resources.
3. Structure:
The structure of IORA consists of several key components:
a) Council of Ministers: Comprising the foreign ministers (or their representatives) of member states, the Council of Ministers is the highest decision-making body of IORA.
b) Committee of Senior Officials: This committee assists the Council of Ministers in formulating policies and implementing decisions.
c) Working Group: Various working groups are established to address specific areas of cooperation, such as trade and investment, maritime safety and security, fisheries management, tourism, and academic research.
d) Secretariat: The IORA Secretariat, based in Ebene, Mauritius, serves as the administrative arm of the organization, coordinating activities, maintaining records, and facilitating communication among member states.
e) Chair: The position of the IORA Chair rotates among member states on a biennial basis.
4. Member Countries:
As of 2021, IORA has 23 member countries, representing a diverse range of nations from Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia. The member countries are as follows:
1. Australia
2. Bangladesh
3. Comoros
4. India
5. Indonesia
6. Iran
7. Kenya
8. Madagascar
9. Malaysia
10. Mauritius
11. Mozambique
12. Oman
13. Seychelles
14. Singapore
15. Somalia
16. South Africa
17. Sri Lanka
18. Tanzania
19. Thailand
20. United Arab Emirates
21. Yemen
22. Eswatini
23. Mozambique
5. Key Initiatives:
IORA has launched several initiatives to promote cooperation and development in the Indian Ocean region. Some notable initiatives include:
a) IORA Action Plan: The IORA Action Plan outlines specific goals and targets in areas such as trade and investment facilitation, maritime safety and security, disaster risk management, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
b) IORA Concord: The IORA Concord, signed in 2017, reaffirms the commitment of member states to promote regional cooperation and sustainable development.
c) Business Forum: The IORA Business Forum serves as a platform for promoting trade and investment opportunities among member states, facilitating business partnerships, and fostering economic growth.
d) Academic Group: The IORA Academic Group promotes research and academic exchanges in fields such as marine science,
