The Embassies of Sri Lanka, Tanzania and the Philippines in The Hague co-hosted a meeting of Member States from the Asia and Africa Groups of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) to exchange views on strengthening engagement with the CFC and enhancing its impact on smallholder farmers and producers.
The Ambassador of Sri Lanka in the Netherlands, Rekha Gunasekera, Chaired the meeting in her capacity as Vice-Chair of the Asia Group (CFC Governing Council) and in her opening remarks highlighted some of the recent positive developments related to the CFC. She also reflected on the original vision of the CFC and stated that the Fund was established “as a transformative instrument to reshape the global commodity economy, reduce volatility, stabilize prices and channel investment to smallholders and producers in the Global South”. She also noted that, despite progress, many smallholders continue to face challenges, and the Fund remains as relevant as ever in ensuring that commodity producers are not left behind.
The Ambassador of Tanzania in the Netherlands (Vice-Chair of the Africa Group/ CFC Governing Council) and the Ambassador of the Philippines in the Netherlands (Chair of the CFC Executive Board) also spoke at the opening segment. Managing Director of CFC Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal made a presentation on the proposed Strategic Framework 2025–2035 of the CFC and other key issues facing the institution.
The meeting was attended by Ambassadors and representatives (based in The Hague) of Sri Lanka, Tanzania, the Philippines, Algeria, Yemen, Kenya, Cameroon, Morrocco, Rwanda, Ghana, China, Bangladesh, Burundi, Iraq, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kuwait, Tunisia, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, South Korea and officials of the CFC.
The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) is an autonomous intergovernmental financial institution established within the framework of the United Nations. The Agreement Establishing the Common Fund for Commodities was negotiated in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and became effective in 1989. With a membership of 101 Member States plus 9 Institutional Members, the Fund’s mandate is to enhance the socioeconomic development of commodity producers and concentrates on commodity development projects financed from its resources.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
The Hague
20 November 2025
