Commemorative Event : 121st Anniversary of Myanmar Cooperatives

Union Minister for Cooperatives and Rural Development U Hla Moe attended the ceremony marking the 121st anniversary of Myanmar Cooperatives at the Ministry on Friday. The Union Minister and officials enjoyed song performances by graduates of the Cooperative College (Phaunggyi) and the Cooperative Accounting Vocational Training Centers as well as the commemorative video clip for the anniversary.

In his speech, the Union Minister said the cooperative system was initiated in Myanmar in December 1904, with the establishment of the very first Cooperative Department in May Myo (Pyin Oo Lwin). Efforts have been made for development of cooperative societies in successive eras under the supervision of the department and ministry.

On 17 June 2021, the newly constituted Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development was established and promoted cooperatives with modern policies over the past four years. He urged members to follow cooperative principles and ethics.

As of 30 November 2025, the Department of Cooperatives manages 4,463 employees, 8,033 staff, 38,745 cooperative societies, and more than 4 million members. He urged the department to collaborate effectively to link agricultural products to the market and enhance people’s livelihoods.

The Director General of the Cooperative Department then reported on the sector’s development work as per the fiscal year. The ceremony also included the sharing session on cooperatives and presenting honorary gifts to the retired personnel, as well as awarding prizes to the honorary award winners, the best performance staff, outstanding students and winners of the impromptu contest.

Attendees also enjoyed the lucky draw program and musical performance by the students.