Slide 2 of 14

I am pleased because this topic is completely in line with one of the major priorities for ICA Europe and that is support for the co-operatives of CEE.

You are all aware that COPAC is an international co-ordinating body, which in itself is a successful model for co-operation because it brings together international organisations irrespective of the fact whether they are non-governmental organisations or UN agencies. The common bond is that they are all concerned with co-operative development. In our era of increased globalisation and competition co-operation among co-operatives as well as strategic alliances gain more and more significance.

Let me first give you a brief overview of ICA Europe and the importance of the agricultural and financial sectors and then highlight some of the major developments at the global European level as well as their impact on co-operatives.