ABSTRACT
The recent drive to enhance and formalize multilateral economic cooperation among countries which lie on, or are linked to, the Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) raises an immediate concern regarding the effects of trade liberalization on the various economies within this region. Though the initiative for increased economic co-operation among countries within the IOR is still relatively young, it is moving at a rapid pace. The countries concerned therefore have to evaluate their present location within this region as a basis for negotiations regarding their future role within an economic bloc whose formation is still in the initial stages. One of the main foundations of any future economic bloc is obviously trade. Negotiations in this area should be informed by an assessment of relative strengths and weaknesses of the various prospective members of a future IOR bloc.
