China-Indian Ocean Region Forum

Why in News?

• The meet organised by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA).
• The forum was “the first high-level official development cooperation forum jointly held by China and countries in the Indian Ocean Region”.
• The forum underlines China’s growing strategic interests in a region where its economic footprint has been deepening.
• During the forum, China “proposed to establish a marine disaster prevention and mitigation cooperation mechanism between China and countries in the Indian Ocean region”.
• All parties agreed to strengthen policy coordination, deepen development cooperation, increase resilience to shocks and disasters, and enhance relevant countries’ capacity to obtain economic benefits through use of marine resources such as fisheries, renewable energy, tourism, and shipping in a sustainable way.

Q1) What is IORA?

The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is a dynamic inter-governmental organisation aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region through its 23 Member States and 10 Dialogue Partners.