The Secretary of State for Cooperatives, Arsénio Pereira da Silva, led the Timorese delegation that took part in the ASEAN Cooperative Dialogue (ACD) 2025, held from May 12 to 14 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Timor-Leste’s presence was aimed at deepening integration into the regional dynamics of the cooperative sector and promoting the products and practices developed by Timorese cooperatives. 

Under the slogan “Cooperatives build a better world”, ACD 2025 highlighted the important role of cooperatives as pillars supporting national economies. Currently, the cooperative sector accounts for around 2% of ASEAN’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and the ASEAN Cooperative Organization (ACO) has set itself the goal of increasing this contribution to 10% by 2030, thus promoting an economy based on principles of solidarity and cooperation. 

On the first day, the Secretary of State took part in the opening ceremony of the ACO Annual General Assembly, in the presence of senior representatives from ASEAN member countries and international partners. During the event, Timor-Leste formally became an Associate Member of the ACO, opening up new prospects for active participation in the formulation of regional policies for the sector. 

On the second day, the Timorese delegation visited Timor-Leste’s stand at the ASEAN Cooperative Products Exhibition, where national cooperatives presented products such as traditional tais, coconut oil and Timorese coffee, promoting the cultural identity and quality of local products. 

The third and final day was marked by the Timorese delegation’s participation in the ASEAN Cooperatives High Level Dialogue (ASHLD), which addressed the strategic role of cooperatives in promoting inclusive and sustainable economic development. The event was attended by more than 250 participants from 12 countries, including ASEAN member states, as well as the United States, Australia, Azerbaijan and China. 

During the proceedings, the ACO presented four key resolutions aimed at officially recognizing the organization as the main representative body for cooperatives within the ASEAN governance structure. The President of the ACO, Abdul Fattah Abdullah, said that “this recognition allows the ACO to participate directly in policy formulation, present strategic proposals and effectively defend cooperative agendas on regional platforms”. END