[Vietnam] Co-operatives' role in poverty reduction discussed

from Nhan Dan

More than 80 representatives from Asia-Pacific countries, the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA), and other international organisations are discussing the role of co-operatives in poverty reduction at an international conference held in Hanoi from March 22-24.

The conference, held by the Vietnam Co-operative Alliance (VCA) and ICA, will hear reports by a number of target countries in the Asia-Pacific region on poverty reduction in each country, and review some countries' projects in order to call for aid and assistance from ICA.

Like other developing countries, Vietnam has defined poverty reduction a focal task in the country's development plan, and worked out a national strategy on poverty reduction through 2010.

Vietnam highly value the role of co-operatives and is trying to create a favourable environment for the development of this economic sector. However, the potential of Vietnam's co-operative sector, which includes more than 17,000 co-operatives and 300,000 co-operative teams with over 14 million members, has not been fully tapped, especially in poverty reduction, job generation and agricultural and rural development.

VCA President Nguyen Tien Quan said that the conference will present an opportunity for VCA to become aware more of the role of co-operatives in job generation, improvement of the capacity of the poor and community development. The VCA will work out strategies and present proposals to relevant agencies and international organisations in order to uphold co-operatives' role in the future.