Meghalaya Co-operatives feature diverse products at ICA ExpoCoop 2010

Meghalaya Co-operatives proudly represent about 1,339 member societies including 179 Primary Agricultural Co-operative Societies (PACS) with 1,690 members in the state of Meghalaya. It is nestled in the lap of the Himalayan foot hills in the Northeastern part of India and shares international borders with China, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. It is no surprise that these co-operatives represent a highly distinct flavour of India.

A land of breathtaking natural beauty which abounds in sylvan hills, evergreen forests, abundant natural resources, beautiful waterfalls, orchids and butterflies, 11% of the Meghalayan land is under cultivation and about 80% of the population earns their living from agrarian activities. As such, they are directly and indirectly dependent on agriculture. The State also abounds in horticultural products that range from oranges, pineapple and banana to jack fruit and carambola. Cashew nut is also grown in abundance in parts of the Garo Hills Region. With a very rich and ancient weaving heritage, activities like sericulture, weaving and handicraft are also very popular. Colorful indigenous weaves, organic dyes and distinct patterns characterize the handicraft products of the Meghalaya Co-operatives.

Meghalaya comprises seven districts. At ICA ExpoCoop 2010 Meghalaya Co-operatives will showcase a wide range of products produced by various Co-operatives from these different districts while also highlighting the distinctiveness of each region. Come and meet Meghalaya Co-operatives in ICA ExpoCoop 2010 at booth C5-8 and discover exclusive high quality co-operative products from this part of India!

CO-OPERATIVES – A NEW WORLD FOR A NEW CONSUMER

From 8 to 10 December 2010, Bangalore, India will host the biggest event for the co-operative sector with focus on co-operative food and beverages.

The tradeshow will feature a new consumer, a new client: The co-operatives from around the world which will showcase the quality of co-operative products and also share how co-operative values and principles can prove to be an excellent basis for good business partnerships. In times of economic crisis, the co-operative movement's unique business model of social justice and commercial success offers the perfect business opportunity and assures financial recovery around the world.

“By participating in ICA ExpoCoop you will be preparing your enterprise for a new economic sector. Running ahead is fundamental to enable your company to achieve this goal.” , affirms Luiz Branco, president of ICA ExpoCoop.

Co-operatives have been proving to boost not only economic development but also economic and political democracy as they will interact with private suppliers during the event.
“The exhibitor will have the opportunity to supply technology as well as packaging and processing equipments for co-operative food and beverages”, adds Luiz Branco.

Co-operatives offer Fair Trade and consume millions of dollars in products, services and technology only in the food and beverage sectors.

ICA ExpoCoop is the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) official tradeshow. The ICA unites and represents 90 countries. ICA ExpoCoop offers a unique and exclusive opportunity to open up and increase new markets to the co-operative sector and maximizes sales potential for co-operative products.

Indicators show that Asian economy is expected to grow by 4,5%

According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), economy in most developing Asian countries is expected to exceed expectations and grow by 4,5% in 2010.

ADB latest reports indicate the same 5,1% economy growth in the Asian pacific sub region, which includes China, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Overall, recent data reinforces ADB’s impression that economy in developing is stronger than expected.