The minister of Small Businesses and cooperatives Hon Chalane Phori  Yesterday officiated a five-day cooperatives workshop In Maseru .

In his opening remarks Phori said Cooperatives play a Major Role in improving the economy ,saying the growth of cooperatives in Lesotho between 2007 and 2016  declined  ,saying in 2007 registered cooperatives were above two hundred ,but in 2016 the number decreased to 174.

The minister  further stated that , he is looking forward to improving  cooperatives in Lesotho

 Amongst others, This workshop is aimed at discussing some challenges facing cooperatives, encouraging the spirit of oneness .