ACD 2025 TO ADDRESS KEY REGIONAL ISSUES IN COOPERATIVE MOVEMENT

PETALING JAYA, May 4 (Bernama) --The ASEAN Cooperative Dialogue 2025 (ACD2025), scheduled for May 13 and 14, will serve as a platform to discuss critical issues related to the cooperative movement among ASEAN countries.

Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Berhad (Angkasa) president, Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Fattah Abdullah, said ACD2025 will not only highlight the importance of the cooperative movement in the region but also open avenues for strategic cooperation in areas such as trade, tourism, digital technology, Islamic finance, and halal product development.

"Most countries currently focus mainly on agricultural cooperatives. Through ACD2025, we hope to elevate the role and contributions of cooperatives across diverse sectors. We propose that cooperatives be recognised as part of the economic sector," he said.

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He was speaking at a press conference following the ACD2025 Pre-Launch ceremony officiated by  Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (KUSKOP) secretary-general, Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud, at Angkasa headquarters here today.

Abdul Fattah, also President of the ASEAN Cooperative Organisation (ACO), said ACD2025 is an ideal opportunity to showcase Malaysia's cooperative achievements on a regional stage, particularly in the education, community, and consumer sectors.

He added that ACD2025 will also create new opportunities for small and medium cooperatives to penetrate the ASEAN market through the cooperative-to-cooperative (C2C) model, thus contributing to grassroots economic growth.

Themed 'Co-operatives Build a Better World', ACD2025 has received strong support from the government, including a RM6 million allocation to Angkasa announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the National Cooperative Congress on July 26, 2024. The funds aim to support the implementation of various strategic initiatives.

Abdul Fattah said RM1 million from the allocation is for implementing ASEAN co-operative programmes during Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.

He said the allocation demonstrates the government's confidence in the potential of cooperatives as an economic development driver. It also highlights their role in strengthening regional economic networks and enhancing social well-being within the ASEAN community.

He also emphasised the government's commitment to positioning cooperatives as a more strategic player in regional development planning.

Meanwhile, Khairul Dzaimee said ACD2025 has received full support from KUSKOP and is recognised as an official ASEAN programme for the ministry.

"The ministry congratulates and appreciates Angkasa for successfully rising to the challenge in response to the Prime Minister’s call last year.

"This initiative aims to elevate the cooperative movement to the ASEAN level through this programme, in line with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025," he said.

ACD2025 will be held at Sunway Resort Hotel in conjunction with the International Year of Cooperatives and Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship. The event is expected to draw 150 participants, including leaders of cooperatives from ASEAN member countries.

Key highlights of the event include the ASEAN Cooperative Product Showcase, the ASEAN Cooperative Forum 2025 (ACF 2025), and the ASEAN Cooperative High-Level Discussion 2025 (ACHLD 2025), which will conclude with the adoption of a resolution.

– BERNAMA