Expanding markets for cooperatives, VCA strengthens ties with Sri Lanka

Overview of the working session.

On April 2, Chairwoman of VCA Cao Xuan Thu Van held a working session with a delegation from the National Cooperative Council of Sri Lanka, during which both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in developing the cooperative sector in the two countries.

VCA expands international cooperation

At the meeting, Chairwoman of VCA noted that VCA is an active member of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and has established strategic partnerships with 125 organizations worldwide. This serves as a key foundation for expanding international cooperation, with Sri Lanka identified as a high-potential partner.

Chairwoman of VCA Cao Xuan Thu Van delivers remarks at the meeting.

As of the end of Q1 2026, in addition to cooperatives, the system includes 1,177 people’s credit funds, which play a vital role in providing financial resources for the collective economy.

The VCA system is organized in a synchronized structure from the central to local levels, comprising specialized departments, training institutions, and the Cooperative Development Support Fund. At the local level, there are 34 provincial and municipal cooperative alliances along with corresponding support funds.

Alongside strengthening its domestic system, VCA has been actively implementing various international cooperation programs to enhance the capacity of the cooperative sector. Notable initiatives include the YOUCOOL project with the European Union, aimed at improving digital capacity for youth in cooperatives; collaboration with The Asia Foundation (TAF) to promote financial inclusion in the digital economy; and partnerships with SFSI (Ireland) and DGRV (Germany) to foster innovation ecosystems and sustainable cooperative development.

In terms of strategic direction, VCA has identified two key pillars for the coming period. The first is digital and green transformation, focusing on promoting circular economy models, complying with ESG standards, and pursuing international carbon credit registration for agricultural cooperatives. At the same time, the application of technology in governance, blockchain-based traceability, and cross-border e-commerce development will be accelerated.

Expanding value chains and financial connectivity

During the meeting, the VCA Chairwoman proposed several concrete areas of cooperation with Sri Lanka, particularly in trade promotion and supply chain development.

Both sides aim to establish direct import-export links for key products such as tea, spices, and handicrafts, while jointly organizing exhibition booths at major international trade fairs. Mechanisms for complementary goods exchange were also proposed to meet the consumption and production needs of cooperative members in both countries.

Chairwoman of VCA presents a souvenir to the delegation, reinforcing bilateral cooperation.

In addition, cooperation in finance and knowledge exchange was highlighted as a key priority. The two sides will explore models such as cooperative hospitals and multi-purpose cooperatives in Sri Lanka, while promoting linkages between Sri Lanka’s rural cooperative banks and Vietnam’s cooperative banking and credit fund systems.

The Vietnam Cooperative Development Support Fund also proposed strengthening collaboration in governance training, improving capital utilization efficiency, and mobilizing internal resources, with the goal of enhancing financial self-reliance within the cooperative sector.

Beyond policy direction, both sides agreed to implement study tours and experience-sharing programs focusing on green governance, social welfare, and sustainable development.

Both sides agree to further strengthen coordination and implement programs aligned with strategic priorities.

Assessing Vietnam’s cooperative ecosystem, Mr. De Silva Wawlagala Roshan Priyalanka, Deputy General Director of COOPFED, expressed strong impressions of the scale and support fund system, and voiced expectations for deeper cooperation in trade exchange and supply chain development.

The meeting concluded with a strong commitment from both sides to deepen cooperation through practical programs aligned with digital and green transformation trends. This is seen as a concrete step toward improving production efficiency, ensuring social welfare, and promoting the sustainable development of the collective economy in the new phase.

Vũ Hương - Phạm Hòa