Japanese Ambassador visits CFC to discuss CFC 2.0 and development cooperation
Amsterdam, 22 October 2026 – Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), welcomed H.E. Mr. Rokuichiro Michii, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, to CFC headquarters for discussions on the Fund’s strategic priorities and opportunities for future development cooperation.
The exchange focused on CFC 2.0 and the Strategic Framework 2025–2035, which seek to expand the Fund’s impact through investment and partnerships that help commodity-dependent developing countries create jobs, strengthen local enterprises and retain more value from their natural resources.
Bridging the financing gap
A central theme was the persistent financing gap facing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those serving rural communities. Often described as the “missing middle”, these businesses may have outgrown microfinance but remain underserved by commercial lenders.
The CFC helps bridge this gap through financing and technical assistance, enabling enterprises to improve productivity, develop local processing capacity and reach new markets. Demand for this support underlines the importance of finance suited to the circumstances and growth potential of commodity-based businesses.
“CFC 2.0 is about building on our experience and expanding the partnerships needed to reach more commodity-based businesses. Many SMEs have the potential to grow, create jobs and improve rural livelihoods, but they need financing that understands their realities. Our challenge is to help bridge that gap and bring more value closer to the people who produce our commodities,” said Ambassador Belal.
The discussion featured JKCC, a Ugandan coffee cooperative and processor supported by CFC financing, whose reported turnover increased from USD 130,000 in 2017 to USD 79.8 million in 2025. Its experience illustrates how access to finance, supported by cooperative organisation and market opportunities, can help a local enterprise grow and expand opportunities for smallholder farmers.
Shared priorities with Japan
Japan’s longstanding contribution to combating global poverty and hunger, grounded in its commitment to human security, provides a strong foundation for dialogue with the CFC. Its emphasis on empowering communities and strengthening livelihoods resonates closely with the Fund’s mission to help smallholders and local enterprises secure lasting economic opportunities.
The exchange explored how the CFC’s approach to commodity finance could complement these priorities through support for inclusive growth, sustainable resource use and stronger local businesses.
“Japan recognises the importance of sustainable development, effective partnerships and investment that creates lasting economic opportunities. It is valuable to learn more about the CFC’s evolving priorities and its work to address financing challenges faced by commodity-based businesses. Continued dialogue can help identify areas of shared interest and opportunities for future cooperation,” said Ambassador Michii.
Continuing the dialogue
Both sides expressed interest in maintaining contact and exploring areas of mutual interest. As the CFC advances its Strategic Framework 2025–2035, continued dialogue with Japan offers an opportunity to identify practical ways to support commodity enterprises and translate their growth into higher incomes and more resilient livelihoods for producers and their communities.