ANGKASA President Leads Malaysian Delegation To Global Cooperative Conference

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Berhad (ANGKASA) president Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Fattah Abdullah is leading Malaysia's cooperative delegation to the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Cooperative Conference and General Assembly 2024, held in New Delhi, India, over six days starting today.

ANGKASA in a statement said Abdul Fattah, who also serves as the vice president of the ICA Asia and Pacific (ICAAP), has been honoured to deliver the keynote address at the inauguration of the International Year of Cooperative under the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All”.

According to the statement the conference, taking place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, would be officiated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by over 3,000 delegates from 100 countries, including 41 Malaysian delegates, global cooperative leaders, and representatives from the United Nations (UN).

"This biennial event serves as an essential platform for cooperative leaders to exchange views and strategies to strengthen cooperatives as key players in global economic and social development.

"Discussions will also focus on empowering policies and entrepreneurial ecosystems, strengthening cooperative identities, and fostering strategic leadership to shape a fairer, more equitable, and sustainable future," the statement read.

According to ANGKASA, apart from recognising cooperatives as people-centred entities contributing to global social and economic development, the conference provided a platform for participants to exchange ideas and experiences, particularly during discussions centred on innovative approaches to enhancing productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness in addressing global challenges.

"As part of efforts to strengthen international relations, ANGKASA is also showcasing the success of Malaysia’s cooperative models, which serve as benchmarks in sectors such as Islamic financing, halal product and service development, and community initiatives, including school cooperatives and mosque cooperatives.

"These efforts aim to enhance cooperative-to-cooperative (C2C) trade internationally, thereby increasing the movement's competitiveness in the economic landscape," according to the statement.

The statement mentioned that ANGKASA and ICA board member Datuk Kamarudin Ismail would share the success stories of Malaysian school cooperatives, including 35 cooperatives achieving RM1 million in turnover and one recording RM2 million, on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, according to ANGKASA Abdul Fattah, who is also the president of the ASEAN Co-operative Organisation (ACO), would lead the Malaysian delegation in a courtesy call to Malaysia’s High Commissioner to India, Datuk Muzafar Shah Mustafa, on Thursday.

During the visit, ANGKASA will sign memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO) and the Iran Chambers of Cooperatives (ICC).

"As ICA-AP vice president, Abdul Fattah will attend the ICAAP Regional Meeting to discuss strengthening cooperatives and collaboration in the region," the statement added.

The statement further noted that ANGKASA's participation in the ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024 underscored its role and commitment as the apex body at both national and international levels in spearheading the development of Malaysia's cooperative business movement.

"ANGKASA’s representation of Malaysia brings a positive image of the country’s cooperative movement, which is on the right track to driving economic growth and shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future for the sector to benefit members and the people," according to the statement.

The statement added that ICA global members would convene formally to formulate and implement policies on key issues impacting the ICA and the global cooperative movement and approve the ICA Strategic Plan and financial framework at the ICA General Assembly on Friday.
-- BERNAMA