Co-operation: Opportunities in Crisis

ICA Americas held its Regional Assembly and Conference in Asunción (Paraguay). A full programme of thematic seminars and meetings of regional specialised bodies and networks (banking, forestry, HRD, gender, health, etc) were held in conjunction with the Assembly were over 500 participants attended. The Regional Conference focused on the the challenges of free trade discussing the negotiations in process to establish a Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). Members learned more on the progress in negotiations for the introduction of the FTAA, discussed its likely impact on the co-operative sector highlighting in particular opportunities. They resolved that co-operatives had to closely follow the negotiation process to prepare for this new trade regime. ICA Americas will begin an electronic forum to promote active discussion on the FTAA. With participation of the ICA President and new Director-General, representatives of 42 member organisations also elected a new president and Consultative Committee during the Regional Assembly. Mr. Carlos Gustavo Palacino Antia, President of the Board of the Confederación de Cooperativas de Colombia (CONFECOOP) and Executive President of SALUDCOOP EPS was elected by acclamation replacing Mr. Miguel Cardozo of Uruguay. Prior to his election, Mr. Palacino was an Americas Executive and Finance Committee member. The Assembly also resolved to work with the International Labour Office (ILO) to disseminate the new ILO Recommendation 193 on the Promotion of Co-operatives. They took a special decision to open a discussion among regional organisations to more clearly define the areas of work of each, and to achieve a common development strategy.

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