Jordan witnessed the inauguration of the 11th Asia Pacific Cooperative Ministers Conference (APCMC), signalling the commencement of a pivotal gathering aimed at bolstering collaboration between governments and cooperatives to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development across the Asia Pacific (AP), Middle East, and North Africa (MENA) region.
Hosted by the Jordan Cooperative Corporation and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the conference, organized by the International Cooperative Alliance Asia-Pacific (ICA-AP), convened key stakeholders from government bodies, cooperative enterprises, civil society organizations, and international agencies.
Among the attendees were high-ranking government officials from 17 countries, including Egypt, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand, as well as cooperative leaders and experts from 28 nations, united in their dedication to advancing the cooperative movement for the benefit of communities.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Dead Sea, the conference underscored the pivotal role of cooperative-government partnerships in shaping the socio-economic landscape of the AP and MENA region.
Mr. Abdelfattah Al-Shalabi, Director General of JCC, extended a warm welcome to all participants, emphasizing Jordan’s commitment to supporting cooperatives and fostering international cooperation efforts.
Dr. Chandrapal Singh Yadav highlighted the historic nature of the conference, being the first of its kind in the Middle East, and stressed the importance of strong government-cooperative partnerships in driving socio-economic development.
His Excellency Khaled Mousa Shehadeh Alhuneafat, Minister of Agriculture, emphasized the role of cooperatives in economic growth, youth employment, and women’s empowerment, extending traditional Jordanian hospitality to all attendees.
The conference agenda encompassed discussions on various topics, including the state of cooperatives in the Asia Pacific, digitalization for inclusive growth, and gender equality within the cooperative sector.
Interactive panel discussions and statements from government officials provided participants with opportunities to exchange insights and co-create actionable solutions.
As part of the conference proceedings, a critical study was commissioned to assess governmental support for cooperatives and identify opportunities for enhancing collaboration between state entities and cooperative enterprises.
The 11th APCMC holds profound significance as the first edition to be hosted in the Middle East, highlighting the growing recognition of cooperative principles as drivers of sustainable development and social cohesion.
The International Cooperative Alliance Asia-Pacific expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture and the Jordan Cooperative Corporation for their hospitality and support in hosting this momentous event.
