The China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) and the Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF) are preparing to broaden their cooperation in the Kurdistan Region, with potential joint initiatives focusing on education, healthcare, rural development and poverty reduction.

Representatives of the two organizations discussed expanding their partnership during a meeting in Erbil on Thursday. The Chinese foundation highlighted the BCF’s experience and organizational capacity in delivering humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities.

Wu Peng, director of CFRD’s International Development Department, praised the BCF’s management and its role in distributing humanitarian assistance. He noted that the Kurdish foundation had successfully delivered 1,500 “Panda Packs” containing educational supplies to students.

The cooperation between the two organizations began in 2023. According to Wu, the latest discussions could pave the way for new joint programs covering education, healthcare, rural development, poverty alleviation and professional training for staff.

The proposed partnership could also involve Chinese businesses operating in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. BCF Chairman Mousa Ahmed said the organization was interested in developing mechanisms through which companies could contribute part of their revenues to structured humanitarian programs supporting refugees, internally displaced people and vulnerable local communities.

Ahmed also emphasized the potential value of Chinese expertise and technology, particularly for humanitarian and development projects in remote areas.

“We want to benefit from China’s successful experience, particularly in the field of technology,” Ahmed said.

Founded in 1989, CFRD is a Chinese nonprofit organization working in poverty reduction, rural development and humanitarian assistance both in China and abroad.

The BCF, established in Erbil in 2005, provides assistance to refugees, internally displaced people and other vulnerable groups. Its activities include food and financial assistance, disability support and programs for children living in displacement camps. The organization also has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.