Cuba for more CFC investments
17 March 2025, Amsterdam. H.E. Ms. Eva Yelina Silva Walker, Ambassador of Cuba to the Netherlands, is seen with Ambassador Belal, Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC). Ambassador Silva Walker came to visit CFC, for the first time, to get to know more about the activities of the CFC and its impact on the ground. Ambassador Silva Walker was accompanied by Ms. Ana María Ortega Báez, Third Secretary at the Embassy.
After exchange of pleasantries, Ambassador Belal provided a comprehensive overview of the CFC’s ongoing initiatives and the increasing demand for its services. He highlighted the organization’s significant impact in advancing sustainable development and poverty reduction, particularly amid global crises. Stressing the importance of collective action, he underscored the vital role of partnerships—such as the collaboration between Cuba and the CFC—in driving meaningful change. Additionally, he emphasized the need to further develop the “Humanizing the Value Chains” initiative to maximize benefits for farmers, alleviate poverty, and combat hunger.
In light of the present global challenges, Ambassador Belal emphasized the importance of fostering stronger working relationships and partnerships with member countries so that we can bridge the gap between the Global South and the North.
Furthermore, Ambassador Belal encouraged Cuba to share its success stories and best practices with the global community to inspire other nations and facilitate the replication of effective strategies. He specifically requested Ambassador Silva Walker to advocate for the CFC’s newly launched Agricultural Commodity Transformation Fund (ACT Fund) to the Cuban government and private sector stakeholders. The ACT Fund is designed to mobilize investments that can drive transformative change in commodity sectors, further supporting sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
While concurring with CFC’s vital mission to address the pressing issue of painfully low farm-gate prices, which too often leave smallholders struggling to sustain themselves and their families despite their hard work and dedication, Ambassador Silva Walker reiterated Cuba’s strong support for CFC and its mission. Ambassador Silva Walker also wish to see more investment from CFC to Cuba and the region.
Both ambassadors expressed their commitment to ongoing collaboration and agreed to follow up on necessary actions in the near future.
For media inquiries, please contact:
[CFC Media Relations Team]
[Email: managing.director@common-fund.org]
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