This French commitment targets the development of the blue economy, connectivity, the fight against the effects of climate change, the defense of biodiversity, maritime safety?

photo : J.Rombi

On December 21, France became a member of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA*).

This is a rather positive sign for our region of the Southwest Indian Ocean. By joining this regional organisation, France confirms the commitments made by the French Head of State, Emmanuel Macron, at the Choose Reunion Island forum in October 2019.
There he announced France’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific space, the world’s new navel if we are to believe the outlook. A commitment with the departments of Reunion Island and Mayotte as outposts and an Indian Ocean Commission, chaired by the Frenchwoman Vêlayoudom Marimoutou for the next four years, which is rather fortunate!
This French commitment targets the development of the blue economy, connectivity, the fight against the effects of climate change, the defense of biodiversity, maritime safety, as well as the promotion of human and cultural exchanges. Ideas in line with the IORA, which aims to develop commercial, industrial and economic cooperation to promote sustainable growth and the balanced development of its member states and the region. It promotes trade liberalization and the lowering of tariff barriers to improve the flow of goods, services, investment and technology in the Indian Ocean.

 Jacques Rombi

*Created in 1997, the Indian Ocean Rim Association brings together 20 countries in Africa, Asia and Oceania: Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Singapore, Seychelles, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.