BCCM supports stronger co-operative collaboration across the Pacific

2 September 2026

Strengthening co-operation across the Pacific starts with strong regional partnerships.

The Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM) has contributed Australian co-operative experience to an important regional discussion about the future of co-operative development across the Pacific.

BCCM CEO Melina Morrison and Mutual Care Services Managing Director Nick Hislop joined government representatives, co-operative leaders and development partners in Nadi, Fiji, for the Strengthening Pacific Cooperatives through Education, Training and Regional Cooperation forum.

The gathering provided an important opportunity for the BCCM to deepen relationships with Pacific co-operative leaders, share experience from Australia’s co-operative and mutual sector and contribute to discussions about co-operative education, regional collaboration, trade and market access.

It also highlighted the important role co-operatives can play in helping communities pool resources, strengthen local economies and create opportunities through locally owned enterprise.

Contributing Australian co-operative experience

The BCCM’s involvement focused on practical areas where the experience of Australia’s co-operative and mutual sector can contribute to regional collaboration while supporting priorities identified by Pacific communities.

Melina Morrison contributed to discussions on co-operatives, trade and market linkages. These discussions considered how co-operatives can improve access to markets, develop stronger regional connections and support local producers and enterprises to participate more effectively in value chains.

Nick Hislop contributed to discussions on the continuing development of the Pacific Island Cooperative Network (PICON), an emerging initiative intended to strengthen collaboration, representation and knowledge sharing among co-operatives across Pacific Island countries.

PICON provided important context for the forum, but the wider conversation focused on how co-operatives, governments and development partners can work more effectively together. Education, training and stronger regional connections were recognised as important foundations for building the capability of co-operative members, leaders and organisations.

The BCCM’s participation reflected its commitment to building international relationships across the co-operative movement and sharing Australian experience where it can support Pacific-led priorities.

It was also an opportunity for reciprocal learning. Pacific co-operatives bring deep knowledge of their communities, economies and traditions of collective action, offering important insights for Australia’s co-operative and mutual sector.

Regional coverage extends the conversation

The importance of the forum and the contribution of co-operatives to Pacific economic and community development attracted media coverage across the region.

The Fiji Sun and Fiji Times covered the regional gathering and its focus on strengthening co-operative development through education, training and collaboration.

Melina Morrison and Nick Hislop also joined presenter Melissa Maykin on ABC Pacific’s Pacific Pulse, taking the conversation to a wider regional audience.

The interview explored what can happen when communities take the lead in providing the services, employment and support they need to thrive. It highlighted the long history of co-operatives helping people across the Pacific pool resources, strengthen local economies and create opportunities where markets and governments cannot always reach.

Melina and Nick also discussed how stronger co-operation, education and regional partnerships can support community-led development across the Pacific.

Partnerships at the heart of co-operative development

The BCCM thanks the Government of Fiji, particularly Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica and the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, SMEs and Communications, for their leadership and commitment to co-operative development across the region.

We also extend our sincere thanks to the Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC) and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) for their support and work in bringing this important gathering together.

The forum reflected the strength of international and regional collaboration. The BCCM acknowledges the contributions of the International Cooperative Alliance Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Trade Centre (ITC).

We also acknowledge the many co-operative leaders, government representatives, regulators and practitioners from across the region who shared their expertise, experience and local perspectives.

The breadth of participation demonstrated that sustainable co-operative development depends on genuine partnership. Governments, development organisations and the co-operative movement each have an important role to play in creating an environment in which locally owned enterprises can grow and communities can pursue shared opportunities.

The BCCM values the opportunity to work alongside these partners and to contribute Australian co-operative experience to a dialogue shaped by Pacific perspectives and priorities.

Strengthening connections across the Pacific

The forum demonstrated the growing momentum behind co-operative collaboration across the Pacific and the value of connecting co-operatives across national borders to share knowledge, develop capability and pursue opportunities together.

The BCCM welcomes the continuing development of PICON and the wider regional commitment to strengthening co-operative education, trade and collaboration.

Our involvement in the forum provided an opportunity to contribute the perspective of Australia’s co-operative and mutual sector, deepen relationships with Pacific partners and support a stronger regional co-operative movement.

The BCCM looks forward to continuing these relationships through respectful partnership, practical collaboration and reciprocal learning.

By strengthening connections between co-operatives, governments and development partners, we can help unlock new opportunities for inclusive, community-led economic development across the Pacific.

Listen and read

• Can co-ops revitalise healthcare in the Pacific?, ABC Radio Pacific Pulse
• Cooperatives to revitalise rural economies, The Fiji Times
• Pacific-owned financial institution proposed to unlock affordable finance, Fiji Sun