A number of important Italian private and public organisations from the blue economy sector such as the Italian Maritime Cluster, including Federpesca, Assoittica, Confitarma, the fisheries district of Mazara del Vallo, ENEA, several CNR institutes, E-Geos and other companies that now operate successfully in the Mediterranean but could develop their activities in the Indian Ocean, convened in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to express their interest in a strengthening of relations deepen relations between Italy and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). On that occasion, Ministry officials informed participants of the positive outcomes of a survey carried out in IORA Member States concerning the potential of a closer partnership with Italy and its public and private stakeholders.