CFC and Papua New Guinea Discuss Enhanced Collaboration at FFD4
Sevilla, 3 July 2025 – On the occasion of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) held in Seville, the Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, met with Mr. Michael Kumung, Deputy Secretary, Policy and Planning Wing, Department of National Planning and Monitoring of Papua New Guinea (PNG).
The meeting marked a meaningful step forward in fostering deeper collaboration between Papua New Guinea and the CFC, with a shared focus on enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers through sustainable commodity-based development.
Mr. Kumung expressed Papua New Guinea’s strong interest in expanding its engagement with the CFC, particularly in the areas of sustainable agriculture, value addition, and innovative finance for rural development. He emphasized the importance of empowering smallholder farmers—who make up the majority of PNG’s agricultural workforce—by supporting projects that build resilience, generate income, and contribute to long-term food security.
In response, Ambassador Belal welcomed PNG’s commitment and reaffirmed the CFC’s readiness to work closely with the country in identifying and supporting high-impact projects in key commodity sectors, including cocoa, coffee, and palm oil. “Papua New Guinea holds tremendous potential in the commodity space, and we are pleased to explore opportunities that are aligned with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals,” Amb. Belal stated.
The discussion also touched upon the need for inclusive financing models, technical assistance, and climate-smart agricultural practices that can help bridge the gap between global markets and smallholder communities in PNG.
Both parties agreed to maintain close dialogue, to develop concrete project proposals under the CFC’s existing facilities.
The meeting with Mr. Kumung reflects the growing interest among developing countries to leverage partnerships for sustainable commodity development, and the CFC’s ongoing commitment to supporting member states in their pursuit of inclusive economic growth.
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