Strengthening the Partnership with Pakistan
10 April 2025, Amsterdam. H.E. Mr. Syed Haider Shah, Ambassador of Pakistan to the Netherlands, is seen with Ambassador Belal, Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC). Ambassador Shah 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 Shah was accompanied by Mr. Muhammad Shafiq Haider Virk, Trade & Investment Counsellor, and Mr. Kevin Eric, Trade Development Officer. Ambassador Belal was joined by Ms. Michelle Nathaniel, Digital Media and Communications Assistant.
Following an exchange of courtesies, Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal delivered a comprehensive briefing on the ongoing initiatives of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), underscoring the growing demand for the organization’s services. He emphasized the CFC’s significant contributions to advancing sustainable development and poverty reduction, particularly in the context of current global crises. Highlighting the critical importance of collective action, Ambassador Belal stressed that meaningful change can only be achieved through strong partnerships—such as the collaboration between the CFC and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
He further underscored the need to deepen efforts under the “Humanizing Value Chains” initiative, aiming to maximize benefits for smallholder farmers, alleviate poverty, and combat hunger through inclusive and sustainable commodity development.
Recognizing the urgency posed by present global challenges, Ambassador Belal called for the strengthening of working relationships with member countries to help bridge the development gap between the Global South and the North. In this context, he encouraged Pakistan to share its success stories and proven best practices with the international community, thereby inspiring replication of effective strategies in other contexts.
In particular, Ambassador Belal invited Ambassador Shah to advocate for the CFC’s newly launched Agricultural Commodity Transformation (ACT) Fund within the Government of Pakistan and among private sector stakeholders. The ACT Fund seeks to mobilize catalytic investments that can bring transformative improvements to commodity sectors, in support of sustainable development goals and poverty alleviation.
Ambassador Shah expressed full agreement with the CFC’s mission—particularly its efforts to address persistently low farm-gate prices that undermine the livelihoods of smallholder farmers despite their hard work and dedication. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong support for the CFC and conveyed his hope for increased CFC investment in Pakistan and the broader region.
Both Ambassadors reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration and agreed to maintain close communication on the necessary follow-up actions.
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[CFC Media Relations Team]
[Email: managing.director@common-fund.org]
[Phone: +31 20 575 4949]