The International Cooperative Alliance Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP) established the Asia-Pacific Cooperative Ministers’ Conference (APCMC) in 1990. It is a quadrennial event organized to provide a platform for cooperatives and governments to discuss current and emerging issues and set a common agenda towards the establishment of new forms of cooperation between them. The APCMC helps to create a sustained and enabling policy and regulatory environment that is conducive to cooperative development.

ICA-AP in collaboration with the Jordan Cooperative Corporation (JCC) and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is organizing the 11th Asia-Pacific Cooperative Ministers’ Conference. It will focus on the importance and need for partnerships between the government and cooperatives in the Asia Pacific and Middle Eastern and North Africa regions.

Cooperatives have been recognized as key agents of socioeconomic development, particularly in the Asia Pacific region. With their democratic, member-owned and community-oriented structure, cooperatives have the potential to foster resilience, sustainable development, and inclusive growth. To maximize their impact, collaboration between governments and cooperatives is crucial. However, to unlock the full potential and partnership between government entities and cooperatives there is a need to foster a collaborative and supportive environment, establish a clear legal framework, and develop policies that recognize the value and importance of cooperative enterprises as a vital component of the economy and society. By working together and building a strong partnership, the government and cooperatives can create a conducive environment for economic growth, job creation, and social development, benefiting both the cooperative sector and society as a whole.

The 11 th APCMC has set forth the theme “Partnerships between Government and Cooperatives for Cooperative Resilience, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Growth in Asia Pacific and MENA region.”