Kuala Lumpur: 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 highlighted the significant contributions of cooperatives to the economy, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, finance, education, and digital innovation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ramanan addressed the ASEAN Cooperative Dialogue 2025 (ACD2025) Gala Dinner, emphasizing the event’s role as a renewed vision for a resilient, inclusive, and people-centered ASEAN. He noted the importance of the 2025 declaration as the International Year of Cooperatives by the United Nations, marking it as a pivotal moment for sustainable and equitable growth in the region.

The event, attended by cooperative leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across ASEAN, was held over two days at the Sunway Resort Hotel. It aimed to explore ways to enhance regional cooperation and empower communities through the cooperative movement. Ramanan expressed Malaysia’s pride in championing the cooperative agenda as it assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, aligning with the chairmanship’s theme of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’ and the national MADANI framework.

He also stressed the significance of the ASEAN Action Plan for Cooperatives, which aligns with the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint. This plan guides the advancement of the sector across Southeast Asia, ensuring Malaysian cooperatives drive local entrepreneurship and reduce socio-economic inequalities.

Ramanan extended his appreciation to the ASEAN Secretariat and the ASEAN Cooperative Organization (ACO) for their support in advancing the regional cooperative agenda. He also acknowledged the efforts of Malaysian organizers, including ANGKASA, the Cooperative Commission of Malaysia (SKM), and the Cooperative Institute of Malaysia (IKMa), in making ACD2025 a success.

Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Fattah Abdullah, President of ANGKASA and the ASEAN Cooperative Organization (ACO), emphasized the need for the ASEAN cooperative movement to be recognized as a key engine for people-centered economic growth. He announced several key resolutions, including 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 proposals for dedicated ministries in each ASEAN country to oversee cooperative development.

Abdul Fattah also announced the establishment of the ASEAN Cooperative Leadership Institute, aiming to cultivate leadership and increase participation among youth, women, and marginalized groups within the sector. These resolutions reflect the movement’s commitment to building a more inclusive and resilient ASEAN.