The workshop, jointly hosted by the German Cooperative and Raiffeisen Confederation (DGRV) and the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance, highlighted German experiences in improving co-operative management for the benefit of Vietnamese experts who are considering proposed changes to regulations for co-operatives.

The Vietnam Cooperative Alliance Deputy Chairman, Nguyen Xuan Hien, said participants addressed the drawbacks of Vietnam's cooperative alliance system.

Christian Albrecht, an audit expert from Germany's Cooperative and, said reformed co-operatives needed to be highly market-oriented while also acting as a group that represents the rights of each member.

“Fairness can only be achieved in a co-operative by operating that way," said Albrecht.

He said lawmakers should streamline procedures and regulations to stimulate the development of co-operatives while also ensuring labour rights.