Mauritius as a member State
Despite being a small island in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is a member of several regional and international organisations. Below is some key information.
Indian Ocean Commission (IOC)
The Indian Ocean Commission, formed in 1984, is an inter-governmental organisation and is composed of the following state members: Comoros, France (Reunion Island), Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles.
The main goal of the IOC is to defend the social, economic, geographic interests of the five state members.
IOC Interventions
- Political and diplomatic cooperation with an emphasis on regional stability and proper governance among the state members.
- Economic and commercial cooperation so as to include the insular economies into the regional and international economy.
- Sustainable regional development, so as to protect and preserve aquatic and terrestrial species.
- Protection of people, and quality of life improvement.
- Enhancement of the regional identity and proximity between the member states, via cultural exchange opportunities, and professional networking.
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
Founded in 1997, COMESA is an international organisation that has merged 19 East African countries, with the aim of emphasizing free trade through a customs union.
The Commonwealth
Mauritius is part of The Commonwealth, whose members are linked by their common interests, particularly their social, political, and economic interests.
The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
Mauritius is home to the Secretary-General of IORA. The aim of IORA is to link 20 countries together, from Africa, Asia, and Oceania, with the aim to 'to develop commercial, industrial, and economic cooperation" to promote sustainability for all members. IORA emphases trade liberalisation and lower fees so as to enhance the flow of goods, services, investment, and technology in the Indian Ocean.
Southern African Development Community
The Southern African Development Community focuses on promoting the economic development of the southern African region.
African Union (AU)
The African Union emphasises the development of human rights and democracy throughout the African continent.
