(VOVworld)-The 35^th session of the International Fund for Agricultural Development’s Executive Council opened in Rome yesterday. Deputy Finance Minister Truong Chi Trung is representing Vietnam at the event. In his address, IFAD President Kanayo Nwanze said long-term rural development is the most effective way to reduce poverty and eradicate hunger. As part of the focus on rural development he pledged to help 90 million people escape from poverty. He emphasised the important role played by small scale production in boosting economic growth and ensuring food security. Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti insisted that food security, global security and the future of the planet are all inextricably linked and urged other nations to make food security their top political priority. Since 1978, IFAD has provided almost 13.7 billion USD in grants and low-interest loans to developing countries through projects that have enabled more than 400 million people to escape poverty.