Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (KUSKOP) is set to organise the ASEAN Cooperative Dialogue next Tuesday and Wednesday, focusing on enhancing the role and collaboration among regional cooperative bodies. The event, which aligns with Malaysia's upcoming role as the 2025 ASEAN Chairman, will be hosted by Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Berhad (ANGKASA) in the capital city, emphasizing regional economic development.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, KUSKOP Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick highlighted the significance of the dialogue, where national and ASEAN cooperative bodies will convene to assess cooperative development in the region. The initiative aims to foster domestic growth and encourage international collaboration among cooperatives, extending beyond ASEAN to the global stage.

Ewon, speaking to reporters after visiting the Sabah MADANI Rakyat (PMR) 2025 Program exhibition in Tawau, revealed plans to deliver a keynote address at the dialogue this Tuesday. As part of the ministry's dedication to advancing the cooperative movement, Ewon expressed aspirations for more local cooperatives to engage in international expositions, following successful participations in global events like the one held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, last year.

ANGKASA President Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Fattah Abdullah previously noted the government's allocation of RM1 million to ANGKASA, as the ASEAN Cooperative Union (ACO) chairman, to ensure the success of the ASEAN Cooperative Dialogue session. In 2023, Malaysia's cooperative sector contributed RM64.5 billion to the nation's GDP, representing three percent of the total GDP.