Kathmandu :  China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) marked a major milestone as it celebrated its 10th year anniversary in Nepal with a special ceremony, which also commemorated the historic 70th year of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the People’s Republic of China.

The ceremony was attended by Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nepal His Excellency Chen Song, Executive Director of China Foundation for Rural Development Mr. Chen Hongtao, including Former Ministers Ms. Sujata Koirala, Ms. Pampha Bhusal, Mr. Dev Gurung, Mr. Rajendra KC, Mr. Jeevan Ram Shrestha, Ms. Juli Kumari Mahato, Former Nepalese Ambassadors to China, Country Director of CFRD Nepal Office Ms. Zou Zhiqiang, Mayors of Chandragiri, Dakshinkali, Godawari Municipalities, Deputy Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, dignitaries from FAO, UNDP Nepal, Social Welfare Council, officials from Chinese Associations and Enterprises, ward leaders, professors and experts from Chinese universities, Chinese and Nepalese cooperative leaders, Chinese and Nepalese media personnel, NGO partners of CFRD Nepal, school principals, and beneficiaries to honor and witness a decade of partnership and progress. Beneficiary children performed songs and dances to express their gratitude and affection for the Chinese people.

The ceremony included the unveiling of a research publication documenting CFRD’s 10-year 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, alongside the management structures and accomplishments of several comprehensive projects of CFRD in Nepal. The ceremony also featured signing agreements between China’s rural villages and three “Vibrant Villages” in Nepal, witnessed by Hon.

H.E Chen Song, Mr. Chen Hong Tao, Ms. Suhata Koirala and Prof. Bao Anhong, further strengthening agricultural cooperation and rural revitalization by linking Nepalese villages with successful Chinese cooperatives.

Since its establishment in Nepal in 2015, CFRD has been committed to fostering sustainable rural development, advancing education, promoting livelihoods, and improving community well-being. Over the past decade, the organization has implemented impactful programs across 7 provinces of Nepal, directly benefiting more than 842,680 people. In line with the International Development Cooperation Policy, the CFRD has successively developed and implemented the 2016–2018 Nepal Community Reconstruction Plan, the 2019–2021 Nepal Community Development Project Plan, the 2022–2023 Post-Epidemic Community Recovery Plan, and the ongoing 2024–2027 Nepal Education and Community Development Plan.

Through these initiatives, a wide range of assistance activities in Nepal have been supported by contributions from the Government of China, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, Chinese enterprises, overseas Chinese communities, Chinese scholars, and partners from across the international community.

H.E. Chen Song, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nepal praised CFRD’s decade-long contributions to Nepal’s rural development, education, and disaster relief. The Ambassador emphasized that the milestone celebration also reflects the enduring friendship between China and Nepal during the historic 70th year of diplomatic relations.

He remarked, “China is committed to continuing collaboration in sustainable development initiatives, humanitarian assistance, and community-focused programs in Nepal, emphasizing the importance of mutual cooperation for long-term prosperity and shared development goals.”

Mr. Chen Hongtao, Executive Director of the China Foundation for Rural Development, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the government authorities, partners, and communities for their continued 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. Its commitment to integrating China’s poverty reduction experience with Nepal’s local development needs, continuing to foster sustainable growth and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two nations.” he said. As CFRD enters its second decade in Nepal, the organization pledged to strengthen its efforts in line with Nepal’s national priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on education, livelihoods, health, and rural revitalization.

Mr. Nanda Lal Majhi, 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.

Highlighting the foundation’s approach to collaboration, Mr. Majhi said, “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 encouraged continued partnerships that combine technical expertise, local knowledge, and community engagement to further strengthen Nepal’s rural development and social welfare efforts.