IFAD strengthens partnership with China for sustainable rural development
Donal Brown, the associate vice president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)’s Programme Management Department, recently visited China to enhance collaboration with Chinese policymakers and development partners. Brown’s first trip to China focused on reaffirming a close partnership and advancing rural development initiatives within and beyond China.
IFAD’s Strategic Priorities in China: Rural Revitalisation and Green Development
During bilateral meetings with key policymakers in China, Brown confirmed IFAD’s new strategic priorities in China: rural revitalisation and green development, which are closely aligned with the Chinese government’s goals for agricultural and rural development, according to the specialised agency of the United Nations.
SSTC: South-South and Triangular Cooperation
IFAD emphasised its commitment to jointly promote South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) with China, highlighting China’s significant potential to contribute to global public goods. In a meeting with Brown, Huaying Tao, chief veterinary officer, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, said China would work with IFAD within the framework of the Global Development Initiative to leverage the power of the China-IFAD SSTC Facility to safeguard food security and promote green agriculture globally. Brown welcomed China’s commitment to exploring new potential in areas such as animal husbandry and veterinary medicine.
Climate Resilient Agricultural Practices
Brown’s visit to an IFAD project in Hunan province allowed him to see how small-scale farmers were adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices encouraged by IFAD-supported projects, such as using organic fertilisers to improve soil quality. This approach is vital in addressing challenges facing rural people, including climate change, conflicts, and food insecurity.
Strengthening Collaboration for Sustainable Rural Transformation
Brown noted that IFAD’s partnership with China is crucial to addressing global challenges facing rural people. He met with He Jihua, vice chairman of the Hunan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, on a visit to the Hunan province to see the impact of IFAD’s investments in the region and speak to small-scale farmers and rural people who have benefited from these investments.
Contributing to Global Public Goods
At the Second High-Level Conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development hosted by CIDCA, Brown thanked President Xi Jinping on behalf of IFAD for China’s contribution of $10 million to the IFAD-China SSTC Facility, a testament to the strength of IFAD’s partnership with China and the common commitment towards supporting rural transformation in the Global South.
Accrediting IFAD as an International Financing Institution Implementation Partner
Brown signed an implementation partner agreement with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and Multilateral Cooperation Centre for Development Finance (MCDF). This agreement officially accredits IFAD as an international financing institution implementation partner of MCDF. He also met Jiang Zehui, founder of the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR) and co-chair of the INBAR board of trustees.
Conclusion
Donal Brown’s visit to China marked an important milestone in IFAD’s partnership with China. The commitment to sustainable rural development and the focus on rural revitalisation, green development, and SSTC reflect a shared commitment to addressing global challenges facing rural people. Collaboration between IFAD and China, together with other partners, can contribute to global public goods, safeguard food security, and promote inclusive and sustainable rural transformation.
Originally Post From https://businesspostbd.com/world/china/ifad-china-forge-stronger-ties-to-boost-rural-revitalisation
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