CFRD Marks 10 Years in Nepal, Strengthening Ties Through Rural Development and Cooperation
Kathmandu – The China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) celebrated its 10th anniversary in Nepal with a special ceremony in Kathmandu, marking a decade of transformative impact on rural development and social welfare. The celebration also coincided with the historic 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the People’s Republic of China.
The event brought together a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, including the Ambassador of China to Nepal, His Excellency Chen Song, CFRD Executive Director Chen Hongtao, and former ministers Sujata Koirala, Pampha Bhusal, Dev Gurung, Rajendra KC, Jeevan Ram Shrestha, and Juli Kumari Mahato. Also in attendance were former Nepali ambassadors to China, CFRD Nepal Country Director Zou Zhiqiang, municipal leaders, deputy mayors, officials from UNDP, FAO, and the Social Welfare Council, along with representatives from Chinese associations, enterprises, academic institutions, cooperative leaders, media personnel, NGO partners, and beneficiary communities. The ceremony featured cultural performances by schoolchildren who expressed their gratitude to the people of China through songs and dances.
As part of the anniversary, CFRD unveiled a research publication documenting its decade-long journey in Nepal. The event also highlighted recognition of NGO partners, exhibition stalls featuring products from women beneficiaries of CFRD’s Women’s Occupational Support Program, and showcases of project outcomes across multiple provinces. A key moment of the ceremony was the signing of cooperation agreements linking rural villages in China with Nepal’s “Vibrant Villages” program, a step aimed at deepening agricultural collaboration and rural revitalization through cooperative exchanges.
Since beginning its operations in Nepal in 2015, CFRD has worked across seven provinces, directly benefiting more than 842,000 people. Guided by Nepal’s International Development Cooperation Policy, the foundation has launched several multi-year initiatives, including the Nepal Community Reconstruction Plan (2016–2018), the Community Development Project Plan (2019–2021), the Post-Epidemic Community Recovery Plan (2022–2023), and the ongoing Education and Community Development Plan (2024–2027). These programs have been supported by contributions from the Government of China, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, enterprises, overseas Chinese communities, and international partners.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Chen Song praised CFRD’s contribution to education, disaster relief, and rural development in Nepal, noting that the celebration also symbolized the strength of Nepal-China relations. “China is committed to continuing collaboration in sustainable development initiatives, humanitarian assistance, and community-focused programs in Nepal,” he said, emphasizing mutual cooperation as the foundation for long-term prosperity.
CFRD Executive Director Chen Hongtao expressed gratitude to government authorities, partners, and communities for their trust and collaboration. “This celebration is not only about looking back on our achievements but also about reaffirming our shared commitment to building a more inclusive and resilient future for rural communities in Nepal,” he remarked, highlighting the integration of China’s poverty reduction experience with Nepal’s development needs.
Echoing these sentiments, Nanda Lal Majhi, Vice-Chairperson of Nepal’s Social Welfare Council, commended CFRD for combining immediate support with long-term capacity building. “CFRD has set a strong example of how international organizations can work hand in hand with local stakeholders to create sustainable and meaningful impact,” he said, encouraging continued partnerships for rural development.
As CFRD enters its second decade in Nepal, the foundation pledged to align its initiatives with Nepal’s national priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a renewed focus on education, livelihoods, health, and rural revitalization.
