TN/AG/SCC/W/35  
WT/CFMC/62  
 
6 November  2020 
(20-7908) Page: 1/10 
Sub-Committee on Cotton    
 
 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT  ASSISTANCE ASPECTS OF THE  
COTTON -RELATED DI SCUSSIONS IN THE 2004 JULY PACKAGE AND  
PARAGRAPH 12 OF THE HONG KONG MINISTERIAL DECLARATION  
ITEM 2C – COHERENCE BETWEEN TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT ASPECTS:  
UPDATE ON THE DEVELOPMENT ASPECTS OF COTTON  
Report of the 33rd Round of the Director -General's  
Consultative Framework Mechanism on Cotton1 
30 July 2020 
1  INTRODUCTION  
1.1.  The 33rd Round of the Director -General's Consultative Framework Mechanism on 
Cotton  (DGCFM C) took place on 30  July 2020 under the chairmanship of Deputy 
Director -General  Alan Wm.  Wolff. 
1.2.  The Chair welcomed the Cotton -4 (C-4) and all the participants on behalf of Director -General 
Roberto  Azevêdo . The meeting was  held simultaneously in-person and virtually  and was attended 
by Members  as well as  by relevant partner organizations and key experts from the global cotton 
community .  
1.3.  The Chair noted  that the DGCFMC meeting  would be followed by t he 13th Dedicated Discussion 
on the Relevant Trade Development on Cotton, chaired by Ambassador Gloria  Abraham  
Peralta (Costa Rica ), and by an Information  Session on the impacts of COVID -19 on cotton trade,  
entitled "From Facts to Solution s".  
1.1  WORLD COTTON DAY  (WCD)  
1.4.  Ms. Marième Fall of the Agriculture and Commodities  Division  presented the report of the 
WTO Launch of WCD held on 7 October 2019, circulated as document TN/AG/SCC/W/33 
and WT/CFMC/61 . The report contain s detailed information and figures on the event , including a 
comprehensive  description of all the activities which  were organized .  
1.5.  Ms. Fall highlighted the active engagement  and commitment  by the C -4, WTO Members, 
partner organizations, as well as the exhibitors and sponsors listed in the report . She specifically 
recognized  the founding partner organizations of WCD  along with the WTO , namely the 
United  Nations Food and Agriculture Organization  (FAO), the United Nations Conference on Trade 
and Development  (UNCTAD), the International Trade Centre  (ITC) a nd the International Cotton 
Advisory Committee  (ICAC).  
1.6.  Ms. Fall reported  that the event had been  attended by  over 800 participants  including eight 
ministers, senior government officials, parliamentarians, heads of international organizations, cotton 
producers, cotton promotion agencies, cotton traders, development assistance partners, scientists, 
academics, retailers  and Geneva -based delegates.  The event, which saw the undertaking of s everal 
activities , was  praised as a great succ ess by the WTO M embership and attendees . 
 
1 This document has been prepared under the Secretariat's own responsibility and is without prejudice 
to the positions of Members or to their rights and obligations under the WTO.  TN/AG/SCC/W/35 • WT/CFMC/62  
 
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  1.7.  Ms. Fall concluded her presentation with a highlight  video  showcasing  the numerous events  
held during the WCD l aunch event . 
1.8.  The Chair thanked the Secretariat for the report  and invited the C -4 to provide an update on 
the status of the  draft resolution to be presented before the U nited Nations  General 
Assembly  (UNGA)  for an official recognition of an international da y for cotton . 
1.9.  Ambassador Sougouri of Burkina Faso , speaking  on behalf of the C -4, extended the  group's  
gratitude to the Chair, the WTO Agriculture and Commodities Division  and partner organizations for 
their role in organiz ing a successful launch of WCD on 7 October 2019.  
1.10.   He reported that the C-4 representatives in Geneva were in regul ar contact  with their 
respective missions  to the United Nations in New York  in order to table the draft resolution to 
the UNGA. H e added that the C -4 had shared the draft resolution with all WTO Members with a view 
to facilitat ing negotiations on the text of the resolution . He kindly asked WTO Members to share any  
comments on the draft text by 15 August  2020. 
1.11.   Regarding WCD  2020, the C -4 suggested that any large celebration be  postponed to 2021 in 
light of the COVID -19 pandemic and t he ongoing WTO D irector -General selection process . They 
suggested, h owever , that a symbolic celebration be organized , and reported that t he C-4 intend ed 
to celebrate th e date and  organi ze national and regional activities to promote their cotton  production . 
1.12.   The Chair thank ed the  C-4 for the update and assure d them that the WTO Secretariat was 
commit ted to organi zing a symbolic W CD 2020 celebration , in coordination with the C -4 and 
all Members .  
1.13.   The C hair also noted his availab ility to  assist in organi zing consultations in Geneva on the text 
for the UNGA resolution  before it was discussed in New York . 
1.14.   The Executive Director of ICAC, Mr. Kai Hughes , stressed  the importance of celebrating  WCD 
at the local level  by producer  association s, private comp anies,  clothing  brand s and retailers , taking 
into consideration the local circumstances . He added that ICAC would use social media platforms  
and share materials and information about WCD 2020  through its channels . 
1.15.   He further suggested  some themes for WCD 2020 local celebrations : "cotton is the world's  
fibre solution "; "cotton  is the solution to micro -fibre pollution as a biodegradable fibre "; and "the 
use of cotton in our daily lives ". 
1.16.   The Chair thank ed the representative of ICAC for his statement  and the various  activities 
undertaken to promote WCD 2020.   
1.17.   The representative of Pakistan  noted that the WCD launch had been  an excellent event 
organized by the WTO Secretariat . The event had helped showcase the contribution s derived from 
cotton by different economies worldwide. He added that Pakistan  support ed the C-4 initiative  for an 
official recognition of WCD  before the UNGA . He recalled that Pakistan actively  participated in the 
WCD 2019 events and was looking forward to continuing supporting cotton -related events.  
1.18.   The representative of China praised WCD 2019 events and the relevance they gave to cotton 
development assistance for cotton production and cotton by -product industries . All of which was  
bound to h elp improv e the livelihood s of rural communities , increase farmers ' income , and promote 
social development  in the C-4 and in LDCs in general .  
2  STATEMENT BY THE C -4 COORDINATOR  
2.1.  Ambassador Sougouri of Burkina Faso , speaking on behalf of the C -4, stated that  given  the 
economic consequences of the COVID -19 pandemic, the group was in close contact  with different 
stakeholders of the cotton value chain to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the situation in the 
region. The situation  was severely impact ing all African economi es, adding to the woes of a  cotton 
sector  which was already suffer ing from the unfair trade polic ies of some  countries . Furthermore, all 
the C -4 were LDCs, which meant that the economic crisis had even deeper consequences  on them. 
Approximately 70% of the cotton fibre produced in 2020 was held up in local warehouse s or in ports TN/AG/SCC/W/35 • WT/CFMC/62  
 
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  and exposed to weather conditions . He further recalled that the revenue derived from c otton by 
the C-4 represent ed between  eight t o 12% of their GDP s and that cotton trade ge nerate d up to 40% 
of their export revenue.  
2.2.  He appealed to DGCFMC participants to further support the C -4 in finding lasting solution s to 
enable cotton producers to build strong and resilient value -chains  to withstand the devastating 
consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, the C -4 asked for support to the regional cotton 
initiative  name d "The Cotton Roadmap Project ". The project aimed to ensure the development of 
the cotton value chain,  which was instrument al for job creation , fight against  poverty, improve food 
security and ensure sustainable and economic social development  in the region . 
3  RECENT DEVELOPMENT IN THE GLOBAL  COTTON MARKET   
3.1.  Mr. Kai Hughes of ICAC started by recalling  ICAC's programme called "Small steps to make a 
big difference"  which aims to significantly increas e cotton yields  per hectare in Africa and Asia . In 
addition , the use of  digital tools was crucial to implement  and facilitate cotton production  in a 
sustainable manner . 
3.2.  He noted  that cotton  yields in the Africa Sub-Saharan region is around 370  kg of cotton lint per 
hectare , much lower than the global average of 800 k g per hectare. Cotton y ields in rain -fed 
countries such as Brazil  can reach  up to over 1,800 kg of cotton lint per hectare . He further noted 
the potential of African cotton production  and the fact that b y reaching the global production 
average , the S ub-Saharan region  could gain  an additional two million tonnes of cotton lint per year . 
One million ton  would come from the top five cotton -produ cing countries in Africa which are  all in 
West Africa.  
3.3.   He also highlighted  the importance of increasing India's cotton yield s, currently  averaging 
around 500 kg of cotton lint per hectare. If India production reache d the world average , its cotton 
lint production w ould increase by an additional 3.7 million ton nes per year .  
3.4.  He reported that Chad is currently implementing an ICAC  programme aim ed at increasing  
cotton  yields and which should  generate an extra USD 117 million  in earnings .  
3.5.  Lastly, t he representative of ICAC reported on the launch of two important digital tool s: 
(i) a virtual reality training package ; and (ii) an  interactive application  for smartphones .  
3.6.  He explained that the virtual reality training  tool consist s of modules  on pest management to 
increas e yields and  improve  quality . The to ol simulate s an environment  where users can interact in 
a 3D world , enabl ing teachers, lecture rs, professionals, and anyone interested  to learn about vast 
and complex information . That is carried out  in a visual ly attractive way, which is easier to 
understand and retain . 
3.7.  The second digital tool presented by ICAC is an interactive soil and plant health application  for 
use on smartphone devices  and available  in several  language s. The farmer must enter the location 
of the farm and the application will identify the soil type , monitor the weather forecast , measur e 
heat and soil moisture , and advise  when to sow . The application analyses disease s and provide s a 
diagnosis  through a  tailored-made  algorithm . It also produce s weekly advice and market prices at 
the nearest market s.  
3.8.  ICAC is currently seeking  funding for phase 2 of the applicati on in order to add an artificial 
intelligen ce element and  enable image analysis o f insect s and disea ses. Phase 2 also foresees the 
addition of  voice recognition so that farmer s can optimize interaction with the application on their 
smartphones . 
3.9.  Regarding  the challenges with introducing digital technology  in several parts of the world , 
especially  in Africa and Asia , he highlighted the fact that farmers w ould need a smartphone, access  
to electric ity to charge their devices , a reliable internet service and a mobile data  plan. This might 
pose special difficul ties to elderly farmers who were not used to handling new  technolog ies. 
3.10.   In conclusion , he explained that ICAC intend ed to introduce  this technology to millions of 
small farm holders . The application was free for ICAC member s and should empower illiterate TN/AG/SCC/W/35 • WT/CFMC/62  
 
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  farmers to access  technology  more easily . The digital tools would  also help increas e yields, 
employability  and revenue.  
3.11.   The representative of Mali welcomed ICAC 's initiatives  to assist in increasing cotton yields in 
developing countries. He observed that digital advances in farming practices were crucial, 
particularly for training  purposes . He also drew attention to the fact that most cotton producers in 
C-4 countries have li mited  access  to electricity in rural areas  and that smartphone  devices were 
particularly expensive  for small farm holders . 
3.12.   The representative of Burkina Faso  asked  if ICAC could provide  more information on  the 
conditions to ac cess th ose new digital tools. 
3.13.   The representative of Côte d'Ivoire  asked whether ICAC planned to promote the new digital 
tools and raise awareness about them locally in cotton -producing countries.  
3.14.   The representative of China  enquired whether the new digital tools address ed cotton quality 
improvement s and whether the  pest and disease  control application was suitable to train farmers, 
in light of  the complexity of the subject . 
3.15.   The representative of ICAC  noted  the challenges with apply ing those technologies in several 
parts of the world . As alternatives, he suggested that extension  officers could use their smartphones 
on behalf  of farmers . He also noted the importance of making  special arrangement s with internet  
providers to grant  minutes or megabytes  data access to small farmers to upload and download 
information . He further added that the application was currently available in eight  different 
languages . Regarding promotion  of the digital tools locally , he reported that the application would 
be rolled out via government and national association s, as well as via key partners such as  Better 
Cotton Initiative  (BCI)  and the  African Cotton Foundation who w ould be able  to reach African  farmers 
on the groun d. In response to China, Mr. Hughes acknowledged the problem of  cotton quality  in 
Africa , but noted  that the bigge st problem was yields per hectare. Therefore, specific program mes 
to increase production were  being  introduced  aimed at doubl ing yields and e nsuring sustainability . 
He pointed out that q uality would improve  with time . Regarding the use of the application solely  by 
extension officers  on pest and disease control , he clarified that t he main purpose  remained that of 
having  the new tool  assist farmers  directly . 
3.16.   The representative of Chad thanked  the representative of ICAC fo r his presentation and added 
that the app lication could increase the  digital divide  as most farmers in LDCs did not  have access  to 
smartphones and to high-speed internet  connection. Hence, if farmers in other parts of the world 
benefitted from  the new technologies , that could potentially  increase distort ions in the cotton 
marke t. 
3.17.   The representative of Togo thank ed ICAC for the presentation and asked when it would be 
possible to have a demonstration of the digital tools to better understand  how the application 
worked.  
3.18.   The representative of Burkina Faso  echoed the remarks  that those new  digital tools could 
increase the digital divide . Hence, the need to make th ose tools accessible  to everyone , especially 
in LDCs . 
3.19.   Mr. Hughes  responded t hat the digital divide was indeed the most significant challenge that 
small farm holders in Africa and India faced. He added that there was a need for global actors to 
work together to prevent  small farm holders to be left behind . He also informed participants of a 
virtual reality training program me being developed only for trainers . He further  explained that there 
were ongoing talks with several ICAC members  to present and implement  those tools  on the ground . 
Lastly, he mentioned that the virtual reality initiative was funded by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für 
Internationale Zusammenarbeit  (GIZ) . The application would be ready for unveil ing next year and 
made freely available to  ICAC member s. 
3.20.   The Chair thanked  all the delegations who took the floor  and expressed his appreciation to 
Mr. Kai Hughes for his presentation , including th e innovations  unveiled  to participants . TN/AG/SCC/W/35 • WT/CFMC/62  
 
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  4  DIRECTOR -GENERAL 'S EVOLVING TABLE ON COTTON DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE  
4.1.  The Chair introduced Item 4 of the agenda by re calling th at the latest version of the Evolving 
Table on Cotton Development Assistance  ("ET") had been circulate d in 
document  WT/CFMC/6/Rev.28.  
4.2.  Mr. Robson Fernandes of  the Agriculture and Commodities Division  presented  the latest revision 
of the ET. He first recalled the structure of the ET which is divided into three ma in parts: (i) notified 
cotton -specific projects; (ii) notified active projects on agriculture and infra structure -related 
activities benefitting  the cotton sector directly or indirectly;  and (iii) contact details of national cotton 
focal points  in beneficiary countries . The ET also include d two annexes listing all completed projects 
previously notified to the WTO, which were important for statistical and analytical  monitoring  
purposes.  The updated information  was also available on the Cotton Portal 
(https://www.cottonportal.org/cotton ).  
4.3.  The information received f or the la test revision of the ET include d updates under Part I on 
cotton -specific programmes by Australia, Brazil, the European Union, France , and the Enhanced 
Integrated Framework  (EIF). Also on Part I, France and the United States reported on  the conclusion 
of some program mes and which had accordingly been transferred to Annex I of the ET .  
4.4.  Under Part II, Japan notified  24 new projects  totalling a commitment amount of  
USD 688,742,900  and benefit ting eight African countries.  Japan also notified the completion of 
six projects under Part II, for a total  disbursed amount of USD 95,990,671  which  benefi ted four 
African countries.  
4.5.  The United States notified the completion of  nine projects under Part II, for a total  disbursed 
amount of USD 447,486,054. Th ose program mes benefited several  African countries and were 
transferred to Annex II of the E T.  
4.6.  Information for the new focal point of Mali  was added  in Part III . 
4.7.  Mr. Fernandes noted that  the revised ET had seen a reduced number of active cotton -specific 
projects, totalling  24 ongoing projects as compared to 30 in the previous version . On the other hand, 
agriculture and infrastructure active program mes listed under Part II of the ET had increased, from 
42 to 51 ongoing program mes. In terms of committed amount for active projects, the new figures  
showed a downward trend for both cotton -specific and agriculture and infrastructure program mes. 
He concluded h is presentation by thanking Members and partner organi zations for their notifications 
and updates.  
4.8.   The representative of Benin , on behalf of the C -4, thanked  the Secretariat for the latest 
revision of the ET . He also thanked development partners, both und er North -South and South -South 
cooperation, for the support provided to the cotton sector in African countries and LDCs, and 
particular ly in the C -4 countries. He expressed concern s about  the fluctuation of the ratio of 
disbursement to total commitments . For cotton -specific programmes , development assistance to 
cotton dropped from 38 % to 29 % in the current revision  of the ET, showing a significant decline in 
the level of disbursement . The total number of ongoing projects and program mes fell to 24 from 30 
in the previous  ET. The C-4 note d that currently 25  African  countries compared to 27 in the previous 
version  are benefit ing from development assistance for agriculture  and related -infrastructure . He 
observed that the level of disbursem ent of financial resources to the cotton sector stood to 27 % 
down from 32 % in the previous version . He stressed  the need to maintain assistance at 
pre-COVID -19 levels. He further asked all development partners  for assistance in facing the new 
challenges posed by the COVID -19 pandemic . He recalled the regional initiative  "The Cotton Road 
Map Project " aimed at ensur ing the development of the cotton value chain , serv e as an instrument 
for job creation , improv e the situation of food securi ty and ensur e sustainable and inclusive social 
and economic development  in the region . 
4.9.  The representative of Pakistan  reported that  Pakistan,  as both a pro vider and as a beneficiary 
of cotton -specific development assistance , had been providing technical as sistance to the C-4. He 
also thank ed Australia  and the Netherlands  for the development assistance provided . TN/AG/SCC/W/35 • WT/CFMC/62  
 
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  4.10.   The representative of Brazil  highlight ed that  despite the adverse health and economic 
circumstances all over the world since last November , Brazil had disburse d an additional  
USD 3 million  for five ongoing  development assistance initiative s on cotton  in Africa, Latin  America , 
and the Caribbean . 
4.11.   The Chair  thanked the representatives of the donor community for providing inputs to the ET 
on their projects . He noted that while the numbers of completed projects recorded in the latest 
version of the ET ha d increased, there was a decline in the number  of ongoing cotton -specific 
projects. Th ose targeted cotton program mes helped to ultimately e mpower local cotton producers 
and enable various actors  to develop their cotton value chains in some of the poorest region s of the 
world. He further emphasize d the need to stay attenti ve to the needs of cotton developing country 
producers and address techn ical assistance and development needs related to production, 
transformation  and trade  of cotton .  
5  SOUTH -SOUTH COTTON CO OPERATION  
5.1.  The Chair introduced Item 5 of the agenda by acknowledging the important contributions of 
Brazil, China, India, Pakistan , and Turkey on  the platform of South -South cooperation and opened 
the floor for any delegation wishing to provide updates on relevant program mes. 
5.2.  The representative of China  reported  on new cotton assistance program mes for Africa  and 
reiterated its commitment to South-South cooperation  as a key area of development assistance . He 
added that since 2019 , China has continued its diversif ied cooperation with  African countries. 
Currently, there were five cotton training program mes organi zed and funded  by China in Mali and in 
other cotton -producing Africa n countries .  
5.3.  He also reported  that over  130 trainees received training on cotton production and processing  
in Africa . Those training program mes aimed to enhance local cotton production capacity and improve 
the quality of  cotton, to help farmers gain better incomes and promote cotton to local, regional and 
global markets. He further reported on agriculture technology demonstration program mes 
implemented in Benin and C had, involving quality seeds , farm machineries , fertilizers  and pesticide  
uses. Three additional South-South cooperation  projects benefitted  two specific countries 
program mes in Uganda  and Madagascar on crops and livestock production , and  a wide regional 
program me in Ethiopia,  Kenya and  Uganda on crop pest control. Th ose programmes were initiated 
in 2019 and 2020  with the support of FAO . China had also funded the participation of C-4 experts 
and officials to attend the WCD launch last year at the WTO , as well as their exhibition for WCD . 
This yea r, in January , China helped  fund the participation of Geneva -based C-4 experts  in high-level 
expert consultation meeting s and a Ministerial Conference in Burkina F aso.  
5.4.  He further added that in 2019 China had invest ed in cotton indust ries in Africa  through  the 
Jiangsu Overseas Business Development Group . The Group invested over USD 66 million in the 
develop ment of an agriculture industrial park for cotton production , processing,  cotton mill and 
garment , as well as in the c otton value chain to establish seed oil processing , packaging , and 
material  development s. Another example of China's development effort  in Africa is the Qingdao 
Ruichang  Cotton Industrial  Corporation Limited activities through the Sino -African cooperation 
partnership . The Corporation ha d invest ed over USD 18 million for breeding, cultivation, processing 
and mills of cotton , benefit ting over 200  hundred  thousand farmers in the local communi ties 
in Africa .  
5.5.  He concluded by  reporting on  other areas of cooperation, including  research collaboration and 
technical co operation  to improve the quality of cotton  in Africa; a joint  China and C-4 initiative on a 
laboratory  under way;  as well as  investment s to improv e the processing capacity , value  chain  and 
development of cotton by -products  in Africa . 
5.6.  The representative of India reported that India had been meaningfully assisting  to strengthen 
both the agriculture as well  as the textile value chain in Africa . Approximately USD  2.85 million had 
been provided to cotton technical assistance program mes in Benin, Burkina  Faso, Chad, Malawi, 
Nigeria and Uganda over  a period of  seven years from 2012 to 2018. Those program mes had two 
main component s on training and on capacity building , involving various aspect s related to cotton 
production, post-harvest  and value addition . That include d setting up a model ginning unit in Benin , 
an apparel manufacturing centre i n Nigeria  and Malawi , and a biopesticide lab oratory  in Uganda.  TN/AG/SCC/W/35 • WT/CFMC/62  
 
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  She noted tha t at the P artner 's Conference held during the WCD launch last year, India had 
announced  the second  phase of the cotton technical assistance program me scaled up in size and 
coverage through the introduc tion of five  additional countries : Mali, Ghana,  Togo, Z ambia , and 
Tanzania. The s econd phase will cover a total of 11 African countries , including the C-4, and will be 
implemented over a five-year spam. It will focus on increasing cotton production and improving  the 
post-harvest , as well  as building the capacity of textile structure s in benefitting  countries.  She further 
recalled that India provides duty -free and quota -free access  to all cotton  imports from LDC s, which, 
as a result,  is significantly higher for India than the world average . She concluded  by stressing that 
India remain ed committed  to building long -term partnership s with Africa especially on cotton . 
5.7.  The representative of Brazil  mentioned six ongoing projects , as reflected in the ET . He added 
that the sixth  initiative comprise d 45 projects in  22 different countries in  Africa , Latin America , and 
the Caribbean,  amounting  to more than USD 41 million.  He emphasized that th ose projects 
contributed to the strengthening of the cotton production chain in terms  of knowledge , innovat ion 
technology, supply  of equipment  and materials , as well  as improvement s in the infrastructure of 
national institutions.  
5.8.  The representative of Mali, on behalf of the C -4, recalled  the importance accorded to Item 5 of 
agenda . He ex pressed gratitude to South -South partners, including Brazil, China, India, Pakistan, 
Turkey , and others, noting their commitment in favo ur of the development of the cotton secto r in 
other developing countries , particularly in LDCs.  Those partnerships ha d significantly  contribut ed to 
the technical, financial , and expert support  needed  in the C-4 production and industrial sector s.  
5.9.  He also report ed on the 7th Ministerial coordination meeting  of the C -4 which took place in 
Koudougou, Burkina Faso , in January 2 020. He thanked China for the funding provided and  for its 
participation . The event had also marked the inaugurat ion of the  first organic  cotton  ginnery in 
West Africa , which has a n operational  capacity of 125 ,000 tonnes per day and  is expected to create 
more than 200 jobs. The C-4 encourage d development partners to place further emphasis on 
financing project for integration of the value chains in to public -private partnerships and share 
experience , technology  and know -how. Lastly, he  stressed the importance of implementing "The 
Cotton Road Map Project"  for which funding was sought . 
5.10.   The Chair thanked all the delegations who took the floor to share information and details on 
their cooperation program mes. He also encouraged developing co untries to continue strengthening 
South -South cooperation on cotton and recalled that the contributions made by participants were 
recorded and given official recognition, particularly through the Evolving Table.  
6  COTTON DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROJECTS  
6.1.  The Chair introduced agenda Item 6 by underscoring that the inclusion of th e item had been 
requested by the C -4 and constituted a major improvement to the practical  work of the Consultative 
Mechanism. He added that discussions under th e agenda i tem also responded to the Ministerial 
Mandates on cotton formulated in paragraph  11 of the 2015 Nairobi decision  and paragraph  10 
of 2013 Bali decision .  
6.2.  The representative of  Chad, speaking on behalf of the C -4, recalled that  the group had proposed 
in 2018 "The Cotton Road Map Project"  which has the objective of improving the productivity and 
competitiveness  of the cotton  and textile sector s in the region . The group seeks to boost local 
production to diversify access  to sub-region al and international markets . The project in question 
would enable the creation of jobs benefitting particularly the rural areas . It would also help combat 
pover ty and rural exodus , especially by  young people . The project aims  to cover a seven -year time 
frame divided in a pilot implementation phase of four y ears followed by an acceleration phase of 
three years . It also envisages  promoting  cottonseed production and fostering investment s, transfer 
of technology  and know -how, supporting  value addition to the  cotton fibre from W est and Central 
Africa. The C-4 was still in the process of  mobiliz ing international funding to initiate the 
implementation  phase  of the project . In that regard, t he C-4 reaffirmed their willingness to work  
with other s to organi ze a round table discussion on financing project s and program mes for cotton , 
possibly  in the margins of the WTO 12th Ministerial Conference .  
6.3.  He added that the C-4 welcome d the efforts undertaken under Item 6 of the  agenda to boost 
support for the development of cotton by -product in LDC s. The C-4 also appreciate d the assistance TN/AG/SCC/W/35 • WT/CFMC/62  
 
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  provided by the  WTO Secretariat in examining the impact of COVID -19 and identify specific solution s 
to relaunch production , processing and marketing activities . Finally, he noted that the C-4 would like 
to see the establishment of a management committee for coordinating the implementation of 
projects on technology transfer and the  sharing of know-how for development purposes, particularly 
to LDCs cotton sector s. 
6.4.  The representative of Mali  stressed the benefit s envisage d in development assistance in favour 
of LDCs  cotton producers. He cited a project for combating  soil acidity  as an  example  which affect ed 
cotton production particularly in Sub-Saharan  Africa where low yield s were registered , and the 
current lack of resources  to combat such concerns . 
6.5.  The representative of Better Cotton Initiative  (BCI) presented its vision to help brin g worldwide  
cotton production towards more sustainable agricultural  practices by enhancing capacity  building to 
farmers  and connect ing the  demands  of fashion  and textile brands  down to cotton production . He 
highlighted that BCI  had more than 10 years  of experience and relationships with some renowned 
brands  and worked  with more that 2.1 million  farmers . That had  assisted in improving the quality 
and sustainability of around  22% of cotton produced worldwide  which were based on BCI's  
standards . The capacity building  was adjusted according to the local conditions and needs , with  
BCI standard s adaptable to  small  holder farmers, large farmers, as well as in high-tech or low-tech 
farms.  
6.6.  In order to promote  sustainable cotton production , BCI's standards  are based on three pillars 
for sustainability : environment , social and economic . Those enable d BCI to promote environmental ly 
friendly  practices to better manage the use of water  resources , reduc e toxic pollution and decrease 
production costs. The social aspects were also taken into consideration for achiev ing long-term 
sustainability. The Growth and Innovation Fund of BCI, in partner ship with the Netherlands , aimed 
to optimize the relationships  between private and public sector s for more sustainable cotton by 
considering the particularities and  needs of local communit ies in India, Pakistan and Mozambique.  
6.7.  He concluded that, regarding  the impact s of the COVID -19 pandemic on sustainability  
practices, BCI was  assessing how to increase resilience of the cotton sector  to adapt to the existing 
challenges.  
6.1  Review of the proposed updates of Item 6 of the DGCFMC agenda (WT/CFMC/W/80)  
6.8.  The representative of Burkina  Faso, speaking on behalf of the C-4 and the 36 African  countries 
producing and exporting cotton and  cotton  by-product s, support ed the conceptual note  which 
envisages an  update of Item 6 of the agenda of the  Consultative Mechanism. He mentioned that  
after 16 years of work, it was important  to strengthen  the evaluation and impact of cotton 
development projects . Hence, the creation of a list of project requests would  enable a  multi-party 
and well-articulated  coordination in the preparation and implementation of development assistance 
projects via the envisaged cotton and textile information exchange. The C-4 invited all development 
partners to support the  adoption and implementation of the proposed updates  which would  also help 
beneficiary countries  achieve the UN S ustainable Development Goals (SDGs)  by 2030.  
6.9.  The representative of Brazil  support ed the conceptual note as circulated by the Secretariat . He 
mentioned that the few comments that had been submitted to the WTO Secretariat for inclusion in 
the revision  of the document . 
6.10.   The representative of the United Stat es thank ed the WTO S ecretariat for the opportunity  to 
review  and comment  on the suggestions for updating the work of DGCFMC.  The United States looked 
forward to having a more detail ed exchange on the reason why th e conceptual note was being  
proposed by the C-4 and equally the value it w ould add. He added that while the conceptual note 
propose d that the updates of the DGCFMC work be  dealt with by the WTO, it did not detail why 
the WTO was the logical institution for th at type of work.  He also expressed interest in receiving 
additional information on the rational e of creating a cotton and textile information exchange 
platform . He expressed concern s that it might create  additional functions  without serving a clear 
purpose . He concluded by noting that the U nited States was looking forward to receiving additional 
details on the objectives , needs , and vision of the proposed update . TN/AG/SCC/W/35 • WT/CFMC/62  
 
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  6.11.   The representative of the European Union  thanked the WTO S ecretariat for the conceptual 
note. Overall, the EU support ed the idea of increasing the DGCFMC 's relevance for developing 
countries while being mindful of not  replacing or overlapping with the mandate s of other institutions . 
The EU  was interested  to know how synergies w ould be worked out wit h other organizations and 
donors , and  why the C-4 believe d that the WTO  was the organization with the best expertise and 
resources  to develop those functions as  reflect ed in its core mandate.  
6.12.   He not ed that some elements of th e proposal  seem ed to go beyond the WTO core mandate  
and activities. He added  that what was being proposed was not too complex , but stressed that it 
should be kept very l ight and as lean an d efficient as possible, to avoid overlapping  with the work 
of other i nstitution s and  creating overburden  to the Secretariat . He concluded by enquiring about  
how funding could be obtain ed as he understood that the initiative d id not entail funding by the 
WTO, for which further  clarification was sought . 
6.13.   The Chair thanked all participants fo r their comment s and remarks , both on form at and 
substance . In order to  move forward on that important request by the C-4, he suggested that the 
WTO S ecretariat incorporate  the suggestions and comments made into a revised concept ual note.  
7  DOMESTIC COTTON SECTOR AND OTHER REFORMS/NATIONAL COTTON SECTOR FOCAL 
POINTS  
7.1.  The Chair introduced Item 7  of the  agenda by inviting delegations who wished to take the floor 
to share with participants their latest information on domestic cotton sector reforms.  
7.2.  The representative of Mali  presented an overview of recent  reform s undertaken in the cotton 
sector and cotton production in Mali. The Malian authorities have been implementing measures to 
revamp the cotton  sector since 2017 aimed at changing  the current structur e of the Compagnie  
Malienne  pour le Développement  des Textiles  (CMDT) , establishing national and regional 
departments  for the classification of cotton , develop ing industrial facilities  for the processing of 
cotton and promotin g local consumption of cotton products , including textile and cotton oil. The new 
adjustments would allow streamlining and better defining  the roles of CMDT and of the Government  
in the cotton sector . 
7.3.  The represent ative of Chad stated that , as mention ed by the ICAC in its presentation , 
significant i ncrease s had been recorded  in cotton production in Chad. That was  the result of reforms 
undertaken by the Government  in close collaboration  with partners  and cotton produ cers. He noted 
that Chad had privati zed its national cotton entity  "Cotton C had" which is now called the "New Cotton  
Chad Enterprise ". 35% of it belongs to the State, while 5% is held by cotton  producers and the 
remaining 60% belongs to OLAM International . He added that th e decision to privatize Cotton Chad 
had been welcomed  by cotton producers as the new structure  had boosted the sector's confidence. 
Currently, the  Government was working to add value  to the country's production considering  
particularities of its  value chain.  He concluded by thank ing partner organizations for the assistance  
received and encouraged further cooperation to achieve better  benefit s for cotton producers , 
considering the relevance that cotton  production and commercialization ha d in terms of social 
objectives  in the figh t against poverty, the participation of women in economic activities , the 
generation of new streams of revenue , and an increased income for farmers and improvement of 
livelihood s. 
7.4.  Due to te chnical impediments, t he representative of Burkina Faso  stated  that it would submit 
its statement  in writing  after the meeting . 
7.5.  The representative of Benin  reported that they ha d optimized ginning facilities in the country 
to gain more efficiency . Technical and financial support were improving the cotton sector , while  
reforms also aim ed to support research activities with a view to boosting the entire value chain.  
7.6.  The Chair  thanked all th ose who  intervened  and encouraged beneficiaries of cotton 
development assistance to consider submitting their information for inclusion in  the next revision of 
the Evolving Table. TN/AG/SCC/W/35 • WT/CFMC/62  
 
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  8  CONCLUSION  
8.1.  The Chair  concluded the meeting by thanking  all the participants for the  useful discussions  held 
during the meeting .  
8.2.  He added th at all presentations w ould be made available on the WTO website, including those 
of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization  (UNIDO ) and G herzi Consultants Zurich 
who had experienced technical difficulties in addressing  the meeting remotely . 
8.3.  He noted that good progress was being consolidated through the DGCFMC work. A clear 
example was the discussion s on cotton  projects and the envisaged  update of Item  6 of the 
Consultative M echanism.  
8.4.  He commended the donor community as well as the beneficiaries of cotton development 
assistance for their  usual active  engagement and constructive role in taking forward the discussion s, 
as reflected in the Evolving T able. He encouraged Members to continue using the DGCFMC as an 
open forum for project -focused discussions.   
8.5.  He also used the opportunity to  pay tribute to Ambassador Eloi Laourou of Benin for his valuable 
contributions to the DGCFMC, as his functions at the head of the Benin mission in Geneva were 
coming to an  end. H e noted  that Ambassador Laourou ha d long contributed to the work of DGCFMC , 
since 2003 when the C-4 sectorial initiative had been  launched  and wished him  the very best in his 
next endeavours .  
8.6.  The Chair a lso thanked the interpreters, conference  office services  and IT for their excellent 
work.  
8.7.  The meeting was adjourned.   
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