On September 25th, 1939, in the Chinese Communist Party’s current capital of Yenan, leader Mao Zedong typed a letter to the Chinese Industrial Cooperative Association detailing his support for the movement and willingness to collaborate to strengthen both the C.I.C. and C.C.P. movements.

Mao Zedong in 1940

Gentlemen:

I am in favor of the establishment of many small industries in China by means
of cooperatives. Your great devotion to such a cause, and the splendid effort
you have made to help our war of resistance, are deeply appreciated.

If it is possible to build this kind of (cooperative) industries in the guerrilla districts of North China, and in the adjacent war regions in the Northwest, the help would be greatly appreciated and warmly welcomed by the Eighth Route Army and my humble self.

I understand that such a plan is in fact already contemplated. It is very
much hoped that it can be realized, for its contribution to our struggle would
be incalculably great.

I would be most grateful if you would convey this thought to your committees
abroad, and to our countrymen overseas. Here I wish especially to thank our
fellow-countrymen in the Philippines, and the (Industrial Co-operatives)
Promotion Committee there, for they have made great efforts to support our
fatherland and the industrial co-operative movement.
In one word, if we struggle hard, and if China and her foreign friends cooperate together, there can be no doubt of our final victory over the Japanese!

With national anti-Japanese greetings,
Mao Zedong.

The C.I.C. movement went on to have a favorable relationship with the Chinese Communist Party, a stark contrast from its antagonistic relationship with many within the Nationalist Party. Although Indusco ultimately fell out of favor with the CCP as well, Mao’s fondness for the idea was evident; it is even thought to have been the inspiration for his Great Leap Forward in 1958.