The Netherlands reiterates its strong support for the CFC
20 March 2025, Amsterdam – The Governor of CFC for the Netherlands, Mr. Paul Zwetsloot, Head of Department - International Financial Institutions Division, Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, paid a visit to the CFC today. He was warmly received by Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the CFC. Mr. Zwetsloot was joined by Ms. Carlijn Ashmead, Policy Officer - International Financial Institutions Division, while Ambassador Belal was accompanied by Mr. Michaël van den Berg, Investment Manager leading the ACT Fund of CFC.
The meeting centered on strengthening bilateral relations, exploring new opportunities for collaboration, and addressing shared global challenges, particularly in sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
Following an exchange of pleasantries, Ambassador Belal provided Mr. Zwetsloot with an overview of the CFC’s ongoing and future initiatives. Acknowledging the pressing global challenges, Ambassador Belal emphasized the need for stronger partnerships and collaboration with countries to drive meaningful impact. He highlighted the organization’s tangible contributions to sustainable development and poverty reduction, particularly in times of crisis. Stressing the importance of collective action, he underscored the value of strategic partnerships in achieving these goals. Additionally, Ambassador Belal reiterated the significance of expanding the “Humanizing the Value Chains” initiative to enhance benefits for farmers, reduce poverty, and combat hunger.
Ambassador Belal expressed profound gratitude to the Netherlands for its generous hosting of the CFC and its longstanding support for the organization’s mission. He commended the Netherlands for its remarkable agricultural prowess, noting its position as the world’s second-largest exporter of agricultural commodities and a global leader in innovative and pragmatic agricultural practices. Ambassador Belal encouraged the Netherlands to leverage its expertise and the platform provided by CFC to exemplify its agricultural excellence to the world, particularly in supporting smallholder farmers who form the backbone of global commodity production.
Furthermore, Ambassador Belal requested Mr. Zwetsloot to recommend the CFC’s newly launched Agricultural Commodity Transformation Fund (ACT Fund) to the government of the Netherlands and key private sector stakeholders. The ACT Fund is designed to mobilize investments that can drive transformative change in commodity sectors, furthering the objectives of sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
Ambassador Belal also acknowledged the Netherlands’ extensive expertise in agriculture and sustainable agri-management. He encouraged Mr. Zwetsloot to facilitate connections between the CFC and key players in the sector to support the development efforts of CFC member countries. In this regard, he humbly urged the Netherlands to consider resuming voluntary contributions and trust fund initiatives to help CFC meet its heightened demand for resources. Such support, he noted, would not only serve as an economic imperative but also make a moral and ethical case, extending the Netherlands’ gratitude to millions of smallholder farmers who produce the majority of the commodities traded globally.
Mr. Paul Zwetsloot, in his remarks, expressed deep appreciation for the good work of CFC and its impactful initiatives. He noted his satisfaction with the level of CFC’s engagement with Dutch businesses and institutions, highlighting the organization’s ability to foster meaningful partnerships. While recalling the recent trimming of the Netherlands’ budget, Mr. Zwetsloot acknowledged that CFC deserves continued support given its grassroots presence and the outsized impact it creates in addressing global challenges. He reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to exploring ways to sustain its collaboration with CFC, recognizing the organization’s critical role in driving sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
The meeting concluded with mutual assurances of support and a commitment to follow up on necessary actions in the coming days.
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