Kathmandu: The China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) celebrated its 10th anniversary in Nepal by organizing a special event in Kathmandu on Monday. The event was attended by the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nepal, Chen Song, Executive Director of China Foundation for Rural Development, Chen Hongtao, former ministers, leaders of major political parties, diplomats, and several others.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Chinese Ambassador Chen appreciated the CFRD’s contributions to Nepal’s rural development, education, and disaster relief. He emphasized that the milestone celebration also reflects the enduring friendship between China and Nepal during the historic 70th year of diplomatic relations. He stated, “China is committed to continuing collaboration in sustainable development initiatives, humanitarian assistance, and community-focused programmes in Nepal, emphasizing the importance of mutual cooperation for long-term prosperity and shared development goals.”
Nanda Lal Majhi, the Vice-Chairperson of the Social Welfare Council of Nepal, noted that CFRD’s initiatives in education, agriculture, and community development have not only provided immediate support but have also built long-term capacities within communities. Similarly, Executive Director of the CFRD, Chen Hongtao, remarked that the celebration is about reaffirming a shared commitment to building a more inclusive and resilient future for rural communities in Nepal, integrating China’s poverty reduction experience with Nepal’s local development needs, fostering sustainable growth, and strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations.
During the event, agreements were signed between Kimtang’s Tea Project from Nuwakot district; Khokana and Gotikhel villages of Lalitpur district and three cooperatives from China’s Sichuan Province on knowledge sharing and exchanges in agriculture. The signing was witnessed by the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, and former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Sujata Koirala, among others. The agreement aims to deepen agricultural cooperation and rural revitalization by linking Nepalese villages with successful Chinese cooperatives.
The CFRD has been supporting Nepal’s villages in sustainable rural development, advancing education, promoting livelihoods, and improving community well-being. The event also saw the launch of a research publication documenting the CFRD’s decade-long journey in Nepal, recognition and appreciation of NGO partners, and exhibition stalls showcasing products made by women beneficiaries of the Women’s Occupational Support program and accomplishments of several comprehensive projects of CFRD in Nepal.
The event was attended by the Country Director of CFRD Nepal Office Zou Zhiqiang, mayors and deputies of different local levels, representatives of the UN agencies in Nepal, and others.