What is IORARC?

IORARC is Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IORARC) is an association of 20 member countries. The group came into being in March 1995 in Mauritius. Through it pass some of the most important energy transport routes from Middle-East to South-East and East Asian, and securing these routes has become a global priority.

Who are the 20 members?

The IORARC, which is the only pan-Indian ocean grouping, has 20 members namely, Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Malaysia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, The UAE, and Yemen.

And there are six dialogue partners, namely China, Egypt, France, Japan, Britain and US, and two observers, namely The Indian Ocean Research Group and Indian Ocean Tourism Organisation.

Objectives of IORARC:

1. To promote sustainable growth and balanced development of the region and Member States
2. To focus on those areas of economic cooperation which provide maximum opportunities for development, shared interest and mutual benefits
3. To promote leberalisation, remove impediments and lower barriers towards a freer and enhanced flow of goods, services, investment and technology within the Indian Ocean Rim.