MALAYSIA COMMITTED TO STRENGTHENING ASEAN COOPERATIVE SECTOR - RAMANAN

PETALING JAYA, May 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is committed to strengthening the role of cooperatives in the region and ensuring they remain key drivers of inclusive and sustainable socio-economic growth, said Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.

He said cooperatives are now recognised as important contributors to the economy, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, finance, education, and digital innovation.

“In this context, the ASEAN Cooperative Dialogue 2025 (ACD2025) is not merely a dialogue, but a renewed vision for a resilient, inclusive, and people-centred ASEAN,” he said during his speech at the ACD2025 Gala Dinner here tonight.

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“The event marks a pivotal moment in realigning regional priorities towards sustainable and equitable growth, especially with 2025 declared as the International Year of Cooperatives by the United Nations,” he added.

Also present was the President of ANGKASA, Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Fattah Abdullah.

Held over two days at the Sunway Resort Hotel beginning yesterday, ACD2025 brought together cooperative leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across ASEAN to explore ways to enhance regional cooperation and empower communities through the cooperative movement.

Ramanan said as Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the country is proud to champion the cooperative agenda in line with the chairmanship’s theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability” and the national MADANI framework.

He also emphasised the importance of the ASEAN Action Plan for Cooperatives, which aligns with the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint and guides the advancement of the sector across Southeast Asia.

“By aligning our cooperative initiatives with the broader goals of the AEC, we ensure that Malaysian cooperatives continue to drive local entrepreneurship and reduce socio-economic inequalities,” he said.

Ramanan also extended his appreciation to the ASEAN Secretariat and the ASEAN Cooperative Organization (ACO) for their continued support in advancing the regional cooperative agenda.

He also thanked the Malaysian organisers, including the main secretariat ANGKASA, the Cooperative Commission of Malaysia (SKM), and the Cooperative Institute of Malaysia (IKMa), for their tireless efforts in making ACD2025 a success.

“This is not the end, but the beginning of a new era for cooperatives in ASEAN. Let us work together to ensure cooperatives are not just participants, but leaders in shaping our regional economy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abdul Fattah said the ASEAN cooperative movement must no longer be left behind in regional economic planning and should be recognised as a key engine for people-centred economic growth.

Abdul Fattah, who is also the President of the ASEAN Cooperative Organization (ACO), said the dialogue successfully reached several key resolutions to advance the cooperative movement both regionally and globally.

Among the resolutions were the formal recognition of ACO as the official secretariat for ASEAN cooperatives, the formation of the ASEAN Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC@ASEAN), and a proposal for each ASEAN country to establish a dedicated ministry or national body to oversee cooperative development.

He said the resolutions, which cover areas such as education, digital transformation, sustainable financing, and community empowerment, reflect the movement’s strong commitment to building a more inclusive and resilient ASEAN.

Abdul Fattah also announced the establishment of the ASEAN Cooperative Leadership Institute, which aims to cultivate leadership and increase participation among youth, women, and marginalised groups within the sector.

-- BERNAMA