On 19 – 20 June 2014, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand will host the Fourth Bi-annual Meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Committee of Senior Officials at the Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket.  Nearly 80 participants are expected to attend the Meeting. 

The Meeting of the IORA Committee of Senior Officials will set directions for ways to enhance cooperation in various areas.  These include maritime safety and security, response to maritime piracy, trade and investment facilitation, fisheries management, disaster risk reduction, climate change, academic cooperation, cooperation between universities, science and technology cooperation, tourism, cultural exchanges, and empowerment of women and girls.

Outcomes of the Meeting will be submitted for further consideration at the 14^th IORA Council of Ministers Meeting to be held in October 2014 in Perth, Australia.

The Indian Ocean Rim region holds tremendous economic potential – with almost one third of the world population and varieties of natural and marine resources, particularly fisheries.  As one of the region’s major frameworks, the IORA offers vast opportunities that can help boost Thailand’s trade and investment volumes, support sustainable fisheries, and provide greater access to ports and cities in the Indian Ocean Rim region.

The Indian Ocean Rim Association was established in 1995 to promote cooperation among countries in the Indian Ocean Rim region by engaging not only government agencies, but also business communities and academic institutions.  Currently, IORA has 20 Member States, stretching from Australia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East to Eastern Africa.