Current Agencies:
Fisheries Support Unit (FSU)

Based in Muscat, Oman, the FSU plays a vital role in enhancing cooperation, promoting the sustainable utilisation of fisheries resources, facilitating knowledge exchange, and fostering joint research activities within the IORA region.

Regional Centre for Science and Technology Transfer (RCSTT)

Established in Tehran, Iran, the RCSTT focuses on facilitating the transfer of sustainable and appropriate technologies between and within IORA Member States, contributing to regional development and innovation.

Regional Centre for Science and Technology Transfer (RCSTT) 

The Regional Centre for Science and Technology Transfer (RCSTT) was established in 2008, following a decision by the IORA Council of Ministers Meeting (COM) held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, on March 7, 2007. This decision was further formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2008 between Iran and IORA, represented by the IORA Secretariat.

 

The RCSTT aims to support the development and transfer of applied research, knowledge, and technology among IORA Member States and other countries. It focuses on fostering policy development, human resource capacity building, and the creation of new technologies to address regional needs. It aims to:

 

01 Establish a Centre of Excellence
This center serves as a regional hub to facilitate the transfer and exchange of technology between member states.
02 Support Joint Technology Efforts
The RCSTT assists IORA Member States and Dialogue Partners in collaborating on the commercialisation of strategically valuable know-how and technologies.
03 Promote Regional Cooperation
The center provides technical support at national and international levels to enhance collaboration within the IORA region.
04 Foster International Partnerships
The RCSTT actively seeks to collaborate with other international centers of excellence to leverage their expertise and resources.
05 Facilitate Technology Development and Sharing
The center works to facilitate the joint development, dissemination, and commercialisation of technologies among member states.

The RCSTT is headquartered in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, and is hosted by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, specifically, the Iranian Research Organisation for Science and Technology. It operates as an intergovernmental regional organisation with duties and privileges equivalent to those of a UN mission in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The main functions include:

Transfer Management
The RCSTT supports, develops, and manages the transfer of technologies between member states.
Strategic Development Planning
The center assists in formulating strategic development plans for technological advancement within the IORA region.
Technology Acquisition & Dissemination
 The RCSTT aids in the acquisition, dissemination, assimilation, and generation of new technologies that address regional challenges and opportunities.
Technology Commercialisation
The center promotes the commercialisation of technologies with a focus on competitiveness in the marketplace.
Business Development
The RCSTT supports technological business missions and business matching initiatives to connect businesses and entrepreneurs across the region.
Technology Specific Support
The center provides specific support for the development of technologies related to applied sciences such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, information technology, new energy technologies, and space technologies within member states.
Research & Analysis
The RCSTT conducts analytical research on technology policy, market opportunities, and potential joint ventures among member states.
Advisory Services
The center provides advisory services to IORA Member States on matters related to science and technology development.
Knowledge Sharing & Networking
The RCSTT actively disseminates information and best practices while fostering networking among key stakeholders within the region.
Capacity Building
 The center provides training programmes for senior officials and policymakers to enhance their understanding and capabilities in science and technology domains.
Contact person
Director
Dr. Mohammad Reza Sanjabi
Associate Professor of Iranian Research Organisation for Science and Technology (IROST)
The Fisheries Support Unit (FSU)

Based in Muscat, Oman, the FSU plays a vital role in enhancing cooperation, promoting the sustainable utilisation of fisheries resources, facilitating knowledge exchange, and fostering joint research activities within the IORA region. 

 

Following endorsement by the IORA Council of Ministers Meeting in Sri Lanka (2003), the Fisheries Support Unit (FSU) was established with the goal of enhancing cooperation in the Indian Ocean region's fisheries sector. This collaboration is fostered through expertise exchange and joint research activities. Its objectives are to:

01 Establish a Centre of Excellence
Promote and coordinate cooperation among Member States in fisheries.
02 Support Joint Technology Efforts
Facilitate information exchange through technological means.
03 Promote Regional Cooperation
Establish a regional fisheries database.
04 Foster International Partnerships
Promote cooperation with international organisations.
05 Facilitate Technology Development and Sharing
Propose and supervise joint fisheries research between Member States.

The Sultanate of Oman serves as the official host of the FSU, having submitted an application for this role. This decision was formalised in 2004 through a ministerial decree (No.34.2004) issued by the Omani Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, officially confirming their commitment to host the unit. The FSU’s main functions include: 

First
Enhance cooperation in various fisheries development activities.
Second
Facilitate exchange of information and data on fisheries.
Third
Conduct field studies to address challenges in the regional fisheries sector.
Fourth
Provide advisory services to Member States on development schemes.
Fifth
Encourage research and scientific studies for fish resource development, protection, and conservation.
Sixth
Promote cooperation with international organiszations and authorities.
Seventh
Organise training programmes and workshops related to fisheries.
Eighth
Establish an information network for data dissemination and accessibility.
Ninth
Develop geographic and information management systems for data sharing.
Contact person
Director General of Fisheries Research
Dr Dawood Suleiman Al-Yahyai,
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Wealth & Water Resources