Indian Ocean Rim Business Forum (IORBF)

The Indian Ocean Rim Business Forum (IORBF) was established with keeping in mind the growing trend towards open regionalism and market-friendly policies.

IORBF seeks to build and expand mutually beneficial business and economic ties through a consensus-based approach. Cooperation within the framework of the IORBF is based on the principles outlined in the IORA Charter and is consistent with the bilateral and multilateral obligations of Member States.

The main objectives of the IORBF are:-

• To enhance the welfare of the people of the participating Member States through carefully-designed programmes to improve their standards of living and quality of life
  
  
• To promote the sustained growth and balanced development of the region and of Member States
  
  
• To formulate and implement programmes for economic cooperation in spheres such as trade, investment, tourism, science & technology, and human resource development
  
  
• To remove impediments and lower barriers to free flows of goods, services, investment and technology across the region
  
  
• To encourage closer interaction amongst industry, academic institutions, scholars and publics of Member States.

The IORBF may meet together with the COM and the CSO, or as often as mutually decided. Like the IORAG, It collaborates with the CSO and the Secretariat in the consideration, formulation and implementation of the policy and work programmes of the Association.

The IORBF may also co-ordinate its activities with other non-governmental regional business networks, as necessary.