Delegates pose for a photo at the International Co-operative Alliance - Asia Pacific regional workshop being held in HCM City from November 4 to 6. — Photo Courtesy of Saigon Co.op

The International Co-operative Alliance - Asia Pacific’s regional workshop for managers on “Management of Consumer Co-operatives in Asia-Pacific” is being held in HCM City from November 4 to 6.

Hosted by Saigon Co.op, which is hosting the event on behalf of Viet Nam for a second time, is being attended by delegates from Japan, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Myanmar, and the Philippines.

In his opening remark, Nguyen Anh Duc, permanent deputy general director of Saigon Co.op, said Saigon Co.op expects the event to be a good opportunity for members of the International Co-operative Alliance - Asia Pacific, including Saigon Co.op, to enhance co-operation, learn from and support each other in the international integration journey, contributing positively to the consumer and business community in each country and the development of regional and international co-operative movements.

The workshop features discussions on three main topics: effective operating methods for modern retail models, private label strategy and supply chain management.

At the workshop, Saigon Co.op will introduce the modern retail models it has successfully developed such as Co.opmart, Co.opXtra supermarkets, Co.op Food shops, Co.opSmile grocery stores, and Cheers 24-hour convenience stores, and organise tours to these stores.

Haruyoshi Amano, chairperson of the ICA-AP Consumer Committee, highlighted the role of the co-operative model in the current global economy.

With a history of nearly two centuries, the International Co-operative Alliance not only supported its members in boosting economic development, but also worked towards improving social welfare, especially in rural areas, he said.

Its Asia Pacific chapter has 13 member countries with 19 co-operative organisations. — VNS