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Co-op Values Last Updated: Nov 28, 2009 - 10:00:09 AM  RSS feed


What is a transnational co-operative?
By David Griffiths
Jul 24, 2005 - 2:40:00 PM

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Is a co-operative that operates in more than one country a transnational co-operative?

Initially, it would appear that the answer is an obvious yes. But, is it?

The Federation of Danish Co-operatives has published a discussion paper on international co-operatives:

Transnational Co-operatives: Perspectives for admission of members abroad and cross-border mergers, 2005
http://www.danskeandelsselskaber.dk

The discussion paper suggests a transnational co-operative is one which has members in two or more countries, members are equal in rights and obligations and the members have common commercial goals.

An overseas  co-operative that operates in Australia without Australian members is not a transnational co-operative. It is a national co-operative (e.g. Netherlands and New Zealand) operating as an investor-owned company in Australia - with no Australian membership and control.

The WA Capricorn Society Ltd is an inspiring example of an Australian co-operative with Australian, New Zealand and South African members:

http://www.australia.coop/publish/article_35.php







© Copyright 2005 by Victoria Coop News

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