Brazil and CFC Deepen Collaboration to Drive Sustainable Commodity Growth
05 August 2025, Amsterdam – The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) extends its deep gratitude to Brazil for its global leadership in championing innovative initiatives like the Global Alliance Against Poverty and Hunger, a platform the CFC has not only endorsed but actively joined. With time running out to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, such alliances are critical to making meaningful progress in poverty alleviation. Brazil’s visionary role within the G20 and BRICS has further amplified its impact, particularly in addressing systemic inequities—including the dehumanizing effects of selective credit rating systems, which disproportionately hinder development in the Global South.
Against this backdrop, H.E. Mr. Fernando Simas Magalhães, Ambassador of Brazil to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, was received by Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the CFC, during a courtesy visit to the Fund’s headquarters. This marked Ambassador Simas Magalhães’ second visit to the organization, aimed at gaining deeper insight into the CFC’s ongoing activities and their tangible impact in member countries. He was accompanied by Mr. Felipe Ferreira Marques, Second Secretary at the Embassy.
Following a cordial exchange, Ambassador Belal provided a comprehensive overview of the CFC’s initiatives, emphasizing rising global demand for its services. He highlighted the Fund’s role in promoting sustainable development and reducing poverty, particularly amid today’s pressing challenges. Ambassador Belal stressed the importance of collective action, noting that lasting change requires strong partnerships—like the collaboration between the CFC and Brazil.
He underscored the need to deepen engagement under the “Humanizing Value Chains” initiative, which aims to deliver greater value to smallholder farmers, alleviate poverty, and combat hunger through inclusive commodity development. Ambassador Belal invited Brazil to identify companies for pilot projects under the initiative and called for stronger partnerships to narrow the Global South-North development divide.
Ambassador Belal also urged Brazil to share its success stories and best practices globally, fostering replication of effective strategies. He specifically invited Ambassador Simas Magalhães to advocate for the CFC’s newly launched Agricultural Commodity Transformation (ACT) Fund within Brazil’s government and private sector. The ACT Fund seeks catalytic investments to transform commodity sectors, advancing SDGs and poverty reduction.
Ambassador Simas Magalhães expressed full alignment with the CFC’s mission, particularly its focus on addressing low farm-gate prices threatening smallholder livelihoods. He reaffirmed Brazil’s support for the CFC and hope for expanded regional cooperation. Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination on next steps, reaffirming their commitment to sustainable, equitable development.
About the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC)
CFC is an intergovernmental financial institution that supports commodity-dependent developing countries through projects and programs aimed at improving livelihoods and fostering sustainable value chains.
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[CFC Media Relations Team]
[Email: managing.director@common-fund.org]
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