Strengthening Partnership Between Co-operatives in Asia and Canada

Abstract

Asia was experiencing dynamic economic growth. Liberalized trade, massive inflows of capital, and global information technology had brought wealth. But economic disparities between nations and between the rich and poor within nations widened. Co-operatives had made significant advances in helping the poor and lowincome people improve their living standards, but poverty was still a major problem. Now, a number of countries in the region are experiencing acute economic crises and social dislocation. This dramatic change makes it all the more pertinent to explore the 'cooperative difference' for Asia.