The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) is a regional, intergovernmental and autonomous organization. It was established on 6 July 1979 at the initiative of the countries of the Asia-Pacific region and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations with support from several other UN bodies and donors. The Centre came into being to meet the felt needs of the developing countries at that time as an institution for promoting integrated rural development in the region.

A Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation (MOUC) was signed between the International Jute Study Group (IJSG) and the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) at the IJSG Headquarters in Dhaka on 27 July, 2011. Dr. Durga P. Paudyal, Director General, CIRDAP and Mr. Bhupendra Singh, Secretary General, IJSG signed the MOUC on behalf of their respective organizations.

IJSG is an inter-governmental organization while CIRDAP is a regional organization both working for the benefit of the member countries and development of the economy of the region. As most of the jute, kenaf and other allied natural fibres are grown in the rural areas of the region, development of these areas is the common focus of attention. Both the organizations realize that a joint effort through research and action research work related to poverty alleviation and rural development can make more effective contributions to rural development and basic needs assistance to poor people in the region. Therefore, it is beneficial for the two organizations, to enter into an MOUC as partners in development actions as and where feasible to combine their strength towards synergic effect in implementing projects of mutual interest.

The areas identified for fruitful joint cooperation between the two organizations are, but not limited to,

• Joint study and action research/pilot projects activities,

• Capacity building,

• Exposure study visit and also information sharing and exchange of ideas,

• Initiating innovative action research/pilot projects,

• Project monitoring and evaluation,

• Identifying mutually beneficial project activities,

• Submission of joint proposal for projects in different areas of development,

• Poverty alleviation,                    

• Disaster management, etc.

Both the organizations recognize that promoting and generating rural entrepreneurship, business and employment would help in developing the rural areas of the Asia-Pacific region, particularly through promoting production and use of Jute and other natural fibres.

CIRDAP Website: www.cirdap.org.sg