The International Cooperative Alliance–Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP) and the Fairtrade Network of Asia and Pacific Producers (Fairtrade NAPP) have entered into a new partnership aimed at strengthening cooperative development, sustainable trade and market access across the Asia-Pacific region.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed recently by Balasubramanian G. Iyer, Regional Director, ICA-AP, and Bindu Sukumarapillai, Chief Executive Officer, Fairtrade NAPP. The agreement will remain effective until September 30, 2028.
The partnership brings together the cooperative movement’s regional network and Fairtrade’s producer-focused expertise, with the two organisations planning joint action on cooperative development, sustainable agriculture, responsible value chains, capacity building and market access.
Fairtrade NAPP represents more than 270 Fairtrade-certified producer organisations and over 190,000 farmers and workers across 20 countries in Asia and the Pacific. ICA-AP, meanwhile, represents 124 members from 29 countries and works to strengthen cooperatives through knowledge exchange, innovation, governance, policy engagement and regional cooperation.
A major focus of the MoU will be enabling cooperatives and producer organisations to access new supply chains and markets at national, regional and international levels. The partners will explore coop-to-coop trade opportunities, knowledge-sharing initiatives, thematic research, policy studies and capacity-building programmes, with particular attention to women and youth.
The agreement also places considerable emphasis on climate resilience and responsible value chains. Areas identified for collaboration include sustainable agriculture, environmental and social standards, human rights and environmental due diligence, circular economy practices and regenerative agriculture.
The partnership comes at a time when producers across Asia-Pacific face increasing pressure from climate change, volatile markets, sustainability requirements and technological disruption. Fairtrade NAPP’s 2026–28 strategy specifically identifies producer resilience, sustainable market access, technology and innovation, and inclusion as its four strategic pillars.
For cooperatives, the partnership could provide practical benefits beyond training and advocacy. Better market intelligence, product quality and value addition can improve their readiness to supply organised markets, while South-South trade can create additional commercial opportunities within the region.
Fairtrade NAPP already supports producers through capacity building, market connections and participation in international trade events, while promoting fairer trading relationships.
The two organisations also plan to explore cooperation in Central Asia, South-South initiatives, Fairtrade awareness through ICA-AP platforms, joint fundraising and exchanges of technical expertise.
“This partnership brings together the strength of the cooperative movement and Fairtrade’s producer-led approach,” said Bindu Sukumarapillai, highlighting the objective of creating greater opportunities for producers and workers to participate in sustainable value chains.
Iyer said the partnership would help strengthen cooperative enterprises, build the capacities of women and youth, promote fair and sustainable value chains and expand market opportunities across Asia and the Pacific.
