KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 — Malaysian cooperatives have been urged to explore new trade opportunities in other Asean countries which have a wider market.
Cooperatives Commission Malaysia (CCM) Executive Chairman Datuk Nik Ali Mat Yunus said in line with the formation of the Asean Community next year, business activities undertaken by anyone, including cooperatives, will be much easier.
“The formation of the Asean Community will open up various forms of economic cooperation between the countries and make the regional market truly vast with its population of more than 600 million.
“Its formation is certain to create an easier situation for all concerned and this will benefit Malaysia’s cooperative movement,” he added.
He told reporters this after officiating the monthly gathering and CCM Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration here today.
Nik Ali said the local cooperative movement could forge cooperation with their counterparts in the other Asean countries via “co-op-to-co-op” relations to market their respective products.
He added the government had signed memorandums of understanding (MoU) with Asean nations such as Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam to forge cooperation and expand the cooperative sphere.
“The MoUs and formation of the Asean Community will certainly help expand the country’s cooperative movement and subsequently, help them operate competitively at the international level,” he added. — Bernama
