ICA-AP Participates in Dili Regional Cooperative Conference and Ministerial Dialogue 2026, Emphasizing ASEAN Integration
The Dili Regional Cooperative Conference and Ministerial Dialogue 2026, held in Timor-Leste from October 1 to 4, brought together government officials, cooperative leaders, and regional partners. The conference, themed 'Empowering Communities, Connecting Nations,' focused on strengthening cooperatives as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth and regional cooperation, particularly as Timor-Leste progresses towards deeper integration with ASEAN. Discussions highlighted the potential for Timor-Leste to connect with the broader ASEAN market in sectors like agriculture, coffee, fisheries, and the blue and green economies, with cooperatives playing a vital role in linking local producers to regional and international markets. Ms. Shivali Sarna, Head of Communications and Membership Development at ICA Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP), represented the organization and shared insights on strengthening cooperative movements through membership development, communication, partnerships, and regional networking.