Sri Lanka and CFC strengthen Partnership for Sustainable Development and Smallholders Empowerment
The Hague, 23 January 2025 – In a significant step towards deepening collaboration, Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Ms. Rekha Gunasekera, Alternate Governor of CFC for Sri Lanka and Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Netherlands. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties, exploring new avenues for cooperation, and addressing shared global challenges.
Ambassador Belal provided an overview of the CFC’s ongoing initiatives and the increasing demand for its services. He highlighted the organization’s tangible impact in promoting sustainable development and poverty alleviation, particularly in the face of global crises. Emphasizing the need for collective action, he underscored the importance of partnerships like the one between Sri Lanka and the CFC to drive meaningful change.
During the discussions, Ambassador Belal commended Sri Lanka’s leadership in supporting farmers and its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. He stressed the importance of further developing value chains to maximize benefits for farmers, reduce poverty, and combat hunger. Ambassador Belal also encouraged Sri Lanka to explore innovative approaches to enhance its tea processing industry, enabling farmers to achieve greater economic returns.
In addition, Ambassador Belal urged Sri Lanka to share its success stories and best practices with the global community. By showcasing these achievements, Sri Lanka can inspire other nations and contribute to the replication of effective strategies worldwide.
Ambassador Gunasekera expressed her gratitude for Ambassador Belal’s visit and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s unwavering support for the CFC’s mission. She praised the CFC’s outstanding contributions to sustainable development and lauded Ambassador Belal’s visionary initiative, Humanizing Value Chains, which has been instrumental in fostering inclusive and equitable growth.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties expressing their commitment to further strengthening the partnership between Sri Lanka and the CFC. Together, they aim to create a brighter future for farmers, promote sustainable development, and address the pressing challenges of poverty and hunger.