CFC Managing Director Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal Meets with Invest International CEO Ms. Melanie Maas Geesteranus
The Hague, 6 October 2025 – The Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, met today with Ms. Melanie Maas Geesteranus, Chief Executive Officer of Invest International, at the organization’s headquarters in The Hague. The meeting was also attended by Mr. Michael van den Berg, Investment Director of the CFC’s Agricultural Commodity Transformation (ACT) Fund, and Mr. Raymond Beimers, Manager Sector Agro Food at Invest International.
This high-level meeting follows Invest International’s cornerstone investment in the CFC’s ACT Fund, comprising EUR 10 million and USD 10 million, aimed at promoting regenerative agriculture and strengthening sustainable food systems in developing and emerging economies.
During the meeting, Ambassador Belal extended his sincere appreciation to Invest International for its vision and trust in partnering with the CFC to accelerate the transition to regenerative agriculture. He also reflected warmly on Ms. Maas Geesteranus’s longstanding professional contributions, recalling their shared experiences in global agricultural development, commodity finance, and multilateral cooperation over the years.
“We at the CFC are deeply committed to translating Dutch innovation, technology, and the culture of doing more with less into tangible benefits for farmers and communities across the developing world,” said Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the CFC. “The Netherlands has shown how creativity, efficiency, and partnership can turn scarcity into strength — and together with Invest International, we aim to take that spirit global. This partnership is not only about finance; it is about connecting values, ideas, and technologies that make growth both inclusive and sustainable.”
Ms. Melanie Maas Geesteranus, CEO of Invest International, welcomed the collaboration and highlighted the Netherlands’ longstanding commitment to global development and sustainable innovation. “The Netherlands has always believed in the power of partnership and innovation to support progress in the developing world,” said Ms. Maas Geesteranus. “Through initiatives such as the EU’s Global Gateway, we aim to connect Dutch expertise, technology, and entrepreneurship with the ambitions of emerging economies. Our collaboration with the CFC reflects that same spirit — combining sustainable finance and practical innovation to help build resilient food systems and create opportunities where they are needed most.”
The EU’s Global Gateway aims to connect knowledge, technology, and financing capabilities to address global challenges. The collaboration between the CFC and Invest International exemplifies this vision — linking Dutch agrifood innovations and expertise with opportunities in developing markets, where they can make a tangible difference for both people and the planet.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation beyond the ACT Fund, exploring new areas for collaboration under the Global Gateway and related European and UN frameworks. Discussions focused on creating synergies between the CFC’s on-the-ground experience in developing economies and Invest International’s capacity to mobilize Dutch solutions and financing for scalable, sustainable impact.
This partnership marks the first investment by a Dutch institutional investor in a CFC-managed fund — a milestone that underscores the shared commitment of both institutions to deliver inclusive growth, climate resilience, and equitable opportunities across the global agricultural value chain.
About the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC):
The CFC is an UN-affiliated international financial institution based in Amsterdam, working in over 100 countries to support inclusive economic development through impact investing in commodity value chains.
About the Invest International:
Invest International is an investor and financing partner on behalf of the Dutch government, complementing traditional financial market operations. The state-owned organization supports Dutch companies in expanding internationally, focusing on projects that enhance the Netherlands' earning capacity and create jobs in emerging economies. The expertise lies in financing sustainable and impactful transitions in sectors such as renewable energy, agrifood, water and infrastructure, healthcare, and manufacturing. Invest International provides tailored financing solutions, including investment loans, equity, and export financing. The organization is headquartered in The Hague and is committed to driving global impact.
For more information, visit www.investinternational.nl
For media inquiries, please contact:
[CFC Media Relations Team]
[Email: managing.director@common-fund.org]
[Phone: +31 20 575 4949]