PROJECT UPDATE
Project Overview
This project supported Vietnam’s co-operative sector through capacity building, technical assistance, and policy engagement, ultimately influencing the revision of the Co-operative Law.
Project Profile
The Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP) initiative, with two Canadian cooperative experts, Michael Casey and Robby Tulus partnered with the Government of Vietnam’s Ministry of Planning and Investment to evaluate its existing cooperative law and provide evidence-based, contextualized input into its new legislation.
Michael and Robby will collaborate closely with two national experts working side-by-side with the Ministry of Planning and Investment on this project. The work includes ensuring best practices in evidence-based policy development by filling data gaps. Co-ops play an essential role in Vietnam’s economy and offer significant opportunities to empower and support women and other marginalised groups.
Of particular focus is research on the participation of women and marginalized groups in cooperatives, the role cooperatives play in climate change and climate action, and the importance, value, and social and economic benefits of applying international cooperative principles in the establishment of cooperatives. A combined workshop and training exercise with the Ministry of Planning will review the recommendations from this research. The goal is that most, if not all, of these recommendations, make their way into the coop law amendments.
Key Deliverables
- Capacity Support and Training
- Facilitated workshops and field research
- Convened a high-level meeting with key decision-makers
- Delivered post-workshop engagement with stakeholders
- Technical Support and Knowledge Products
- Produced a Final Report with actionable recommendations
Project Outcomes and Lessons Learned
The project successfully influenced the Government of Vietnam to adopt key recommendations for the revised Co-operative Law, ensuring it better aligns with the International Principles of Cooperatives set by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA). These updates addressed thematic issues and legislative gaps identified during the consultation process.
A significant lesson learned was the importance of adaptability; the decision to incorporate a High-Level Meeting mid-project proved to be pivotal in enhancing policy dialogue and accelerating the legislative review.
Reach and Engagement
Direct Project Reach:
- 185 participants engaged through core project activities
Public Engagement (Canada):
- 120 Canadians reached through outreach initiatives
- Project featured at the CMC Annual General Meeting by Canadian Expert Robby Tulus
- Coverage in 2 articles on the TAP website:
