Ambassador of Ethiopia visiting the CFC
H.E. Ms. Hirut Zemene, Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Benelux and the EU, is seen with Managing Director Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal at the Secretariat of the CFC. Ambassador Zemene was accompanied by Mr. Dawit Afework Abebe, Head, Political and Public Diplomacy Affairs, and Ms. Seble Woldeamanual, First Secretary at the Embassy, for return visit to CFC.
During the discussion, following an introductory presentation on CFC, Ambassador Belal briefed Ambassador Zemene on the current as well as probable future initiatives of the CFC. Ambassador Belal requested Ambassador Zemene to bring much needed focus on the issues surrounding commodities in view of Ethiopia being an important producer of coffee, wheat and other commodities. Ambassador Belal appreciated the foresighted leadership of Ethiopia to their feat to become a wheat exporting country from an importing country. As such, Ethiopia stands as an inspiration for the emerging world.
Highlighting the ongoing challenges following the enduing pandemic, war in Ukraine and challenges of climate change, Ambassador Belal shared the realities of the developing world which suffers most of the vulnerabilities.
Ambassador Zemene highlighted how their government is investing in the transition and would like to see more investment from CFC as well. Ambassador Zemene also suggested for CFC to work more with the regional partners and other relevant international organizations.
Ambassador Belal also briefed Ambassador Zemene on the ongoing initiative on the formulation of a fund titled Agricultural Commodity Transformation (ACT) Fund (formerly referred to as ‘CIIF’) and thereby enabling CFC to contribute more for alleviation of poverty. Once formed, the ACT Fund could also be an avenue for member countries to join this impact investment fund as anchor investors.
Before taking leave, Ambassador Zemene assured that she will do her best to bring good project ideas from her country and the region as well as promoting the idea of impact and necessary investment required for such impacts, as best as she could.
Ambassador Belal assured to pursue more innovative outreaches in the days to come to make the services of CFC available to as many people as possible in the commodity dependent developing world, with a heightened sense of innovations and creativity.