2012 is the International Year ofCo-operatives and the openingevent was held on January 13.
Other scheduled events include,‘International Co-operative Day’usually held every July, an exchange event with members in Saitama on November 17 and 18,and ICA Asia Pacific regional assembly and Co-operatives Forum in Kobe on November 26 -30.
In addition, by establishing 'CooperativesCharter', we will continue to approach the national government to secure its support for Co-op.
Other plans in preparationinclude, development of products symbolizing inter-Co-op partnership such as ‘Co-op Italian Wine’, tasting event and exchange between production areas, and to invite stories from members of their experience of finding Co-op's advantages.
Responding to IYC, Japanese Coops are vigorously discussing about enhancement of their partnership for further expansion of Co-op movement.
Some medical and welfare Coops and regional retail Co-ops are challenging to establish a new regional business base.IYC will do more than the year 2012. 2012 is just a year to launch activities to improve Coop's visibility.