- the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Co-operation (IOR-ARC) was set up in 1995 and formally launched in March 1997 in Mauritius with its main focus for Regional Co-operation.  It currently comprises of 20 Member States.  The above is a two day workshop expected to be held in May 2014 and will be jointly organized by the Ministry of National Heritage and the Ministry of External Affairs.  The main objective of this workshop is to create awareness among IOR-ARC Member States regarding diversity of culture and heritage of Member States.  The proposal made by Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Balasooriya, Minister of National Heritage, to proceed with the relevant activities, was approved by the Cabinet.