India has taken another step toward strengthening its global cooperative trade network by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Zambia on July 18, 2025. The agreement is aimed at promoting cooperatives and building stronger trade alliances between the two nations. The announcement was made in the Lok Sabha by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Mr. Amit Shah, who emphasised the government’s commitment to boosting the cooperative export ecosystem through strategic partnerships.

Under this agreement, the Ministry of Cooperation will work closely with the National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL) to explore and expand trade opportunities in Zambia. The government is utilising Indian missions abroad as a bridge between NCEL and importers in target markets. These missions provide market intelligence, help identify potential buyers, and facilitate direct connections to boost trade flows.

Mr. Shah highlighted that these efforts are part of a broader national strategy to position India as a global leader in cooperative exports. By tapping into the strengths of India's vast cooperative network—ranging from agriculture to manufacturing—the government aims to increase export volumes, improve value-added production, and enhance the global competitiveness of cooperative products.

Alongside the Zambia pact, NCEL has been actively pursuing international collaborations. Recently, it signed two additional MoUs:

• With Sinton Vantage Trading in Senegal to expand trade opportunities in West Africa.

• With PT Sinton Surini Nusantara in Indonesia to strengthen market presence in Southeast Asia.

These developments signify India’s growing influence in South-South cooperation, with the cooperative sector playing a pivotal role. The government’s focus is not only on signing agreements but also ensuring effective implementation through infrastructure support, policy facilitation, and trade promotion activities.

The Ministry of Cooperation has been streamlining export procedures for cooperatives, making it easier for them to comply with international standards and certifications. Special attention is being given to quality control, branding, and market positioning to ensure that Indian cooperative products stand out in global markets.

Experts believe that the India-Zambia MoU will have far-reaching benefits. Zambia, with its growing demand for agricultural products, textiles, and manufactured goods, presents a lucrative opportunity for Indian cooperatives. At the same time, Zambia can benefit from India's expertise in capacity building, technology transfer, and cooperative governance models.

This strategic partnership is expected to foster a win-win relationship, contributing to economic growth, employment generation, and trade diversification for both countries. The agreement also aligns with India's broader foreign policy objectives of building strong economic and diplomatic ties with African nations.

With the cooperative sector becoming a vital pillar of India's trade diplomacy, initiatives like this pave the way for sustainable, inclusive, and mutually beneficial global trade relationships.

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