The 11th Coop Colloquium brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss partnerships between the government and cooperatives, emphasizing how such partnerships can help address socio-economic challenges. The session was timely and very significant following the declaration by the United Nations, marking 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives. The colloquium centered around findings from an exploratory study by Prof. Yashavantha Dongre and Prof. M. Indira, looking at cooperative-government partnerships in diverse countries throughout the Asia Pacific. The study sought to offer an understanding of the constitutional and legal structures, the existing partnerships, and the opinion of stakeholders to present the recommendations for action towards further strengthening of these collaborations.

Prof. Dongre outlined the study’s scope, objectives, and methodology. He briefed participants on key aspects of the research, which spanned countries such as India, Nepal, Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Jordan, Morocco, and Fiji. It focused on constitutional and legal provisions, policy frameworks, and the roles of cooperatives in implementing government programs. Key highlights of the study included the diversity in constitutional recognition for cooperatives. For instance, India’s 97th Constitutional Amendment grants fundamental rights to cooperatives, while Nepal integrates cooperatives into its sustainable development strategy. In contrast, countries like Japan and Kyrgyzstan provide indirect support through freedoms of association without explicit constitutional provisions. The policy landscape also varied, with India, Malaysia, and Korea having dedicated cooperative policies, while others like Morocco and Jordan embed cooperatives within broader macroeconomic strategies.

Legal frameworks were discussed in detail, showcasing how different countries have tailored laws to address sector-specific needs. India’s Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, Nepal’s Cooperatives Act (2017), and Korea’s Framework Act were highlighted as robust examples of enabling legislation. However, countries like Fiji and Jordan face challenges due to limited or outdated legal provisions.

Participants actively engaged in discussions, sharing insights and perspectives from their regions. Challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles, limited financial resources, and inadequate cooperative representation in policymaking were highlighted. The lack of consistent consultation mechanisms and awareness of cooperative benefits were identified as key barriers to effective partnerships.

Dr. Sidsel Grimstad from Griffith University discussed questions on balancing cooperative and state interests, with discussions emphasizing the importance of cooperative autonomy in partnerships. Stakeholders from Korea and the Philippines shared best practices, including regular consultation mechanisms and the integration of cooperatives in public service delivery. Participants agreed on the need for empirical studies and knowledge sharing to identify areas for collaboration.

The session also covered the role of cooperatives in delivering welfare programs. Examples from India, Nepal, and Korea demonstrated how cooperatives contribute to initiatives like public distribution systems, rural healthcare, and community development. Discussions emphasized the potential for scaling such efforts by addressing gaps in policy support and infrastructure.

The colloquium concluded with several actionable recommendations. Participants called for the establishment of dedicated government departments or committees to engage cooperatives more effectively. Regular consultations and advisory mechanisms were emphasized to ensure cooperative representation and alignment with state objectives.

Key Takeaways:

1. Diverse Frameworks: The constitutional, legal, and policy frameworks for cooperatives vary widely across regions, with significant implications for cooperative-state partnerships.
2. Empowering Cooperatives: Enabling policies, regular consultations, and financial incentives are essential for fostering effective collaborations.
3. Challenges to Address: Bureaucratic hurdles, inconsistent engagement mechanisms, and low awareness of cooperative benefits remain critical barriers.
4. Knowledge Sharing: Learning from successful models, such as Korea’s Framework Act and the Philippines’ Cooperative Development Authority, can inspire effective strategies elsewhere.
5. Actionable Recommendations: Participants emphasized the need for dedicated government departments, capacity-building programs, and streamlined administrative processes to strengthen cooperative-state collaborations.

The next Colloquium will be held on 25 February 2025.