Meet our newest members who joined us in 2025.

Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited 

(BBSSL) from India joined as a full member. As a multi-state federation with over 13,354 individual members, BBSSL plays a vital role in seed production, processing, storage, marketing, and distribution, ensuring the availability of high-quality seeds to farmers. Additionally, they are committed to conserving traditional natural seeds, supporting biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture. By joining ICA, BBSSL aims to expand its network within the global cooperative community, exchange knowledge, and collaborate with international cooperatives for mutual growth.

The Saigon Union of Trading Co-operatives (Saigon Co.op) from Vietnam joined as a full member. With 26 cooperative members representing 1,000 individual members, Saigon Co.op operates a vast retail network of 800 stores, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, and shopping malls. As one of Asia’s top 500 retailers, they play a crucial role in distributing quality goods to cooperative members and consumers through diverse retail formats, including TV and online shopping. Founded through capital contributions from its cooperative members, Saigon Co.op strengthens Vietnam’s cooperative movement by negotiating better prices, training staff, and facilitating access to markets for its members. Their commitment to import-export activities and production investment further enhances cooperative trade. By joining ICA, Saigon Co.op aims to expand global cooperative relationships, exchange knowledge, and adopt innovative technologies and best practices. Their membership will also help introduce Vietnam’s cooperative movement to the world while contributing to global cooperative development.

General Cooperative Union 

(GUCOOP.PAL) from Palestine joined as a full member. Representing the Palestinian cooperative movement, GUCOOP.PAL brings together five sectoral unions – Agricultural, Housing, Credit & Savings, Consumer, and Crafts Cooperatives – supporting nearly 20,000 individual members across the country. Their mission includes providing advisory, legal, and technical services; promoting cooperative awareness; facilitating cooperative formation and funding; and working with the Cooperative Work Authority to propose relevant policies and regulations. They joined ICA to further cooperation between cooperatives. 

Kollam District Co-operative Hospital Society Ltd. No. Q 952 from India joined as a full member. Established to provide affordable and high-quality healthcare to needy members, vulnerable communities, and the unorganized sector, the hospital has grown into one of Kerala’s leading super-specialty hospitals and India’s largest cooperative hospital. With a strong membership base of 10,000 individuals and 100 healthcare institutions, the hospital operates with 500+ beds, 1,600 staff, and 160 doctors. Its commitment to affordability is reflected in its 30% lower treatment costs compared to nearby hospitals, with an additional 30% discount for economically disadvantaged patients. Looking ahead, they are working toward their vision of establishing an Integrated Health City in Kollam. By joining ICA, they seek to exchange knowledge on cooperative policies, legislation, and healthcare management, engage in inter-cooperative collaboration, and participate in training programs to enhance their capacity.

We welcome them to the ICA-AP family and look forward to their active participation!