TN/AG/SCC/W/38  
WT/CFMC/65  
 
13 July 2021 
(21-5493) Page: 1/16 
Sub-Committee on Cotton    
 
 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT  ASSISTANCE ASPECTS OF THE  
COTTON -RELATED D ECISIONS 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 35th Round of the Director -General 's 
Consultative Framework Mechanism on Cotton1 
held on 27 May 2021  
1  INTRODUCTION  
1.1.  The 35th Round of the Director -General 's Consultative Framework Mechanism on  
Cotton  (DGCFMC) took place on 27  May 2021 under the chair person ship of Ms Marième Fall on behalf 
of the Director -General  Dr Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala .  
1.2.  The meeting was held in virtual format  and was attended by the Cotton -4 (C-4)2, other 
WTO Members , relevant partner organizations , and key experts from the global cotton community.  
1.3.  The Chair noted that the DGCFMC meeting would be followed by a Thematic Session on Cotton 
By-Products (CBPs) Developments in LDCs , and by the 15th Dedicated Discussion on Relevant 
Trade -Related Development Aspects on Cotton, chaired by Ambassador Gloria Abraham 
Peralta  (Costa Rica).  
1.1  World Cotton Day (WCD)  
1.4.  Mr Robson Fernandes  of the Agriculture and Commodities Division (AGCD) recalled that , in the 
previous  DGCFMC  meeting , the C -4 had asked the WTO Secretariat to organize events to celebrate 
the 2nd WCD anniversary on 7 October 2021 . Those  events would aim to keep up the momentum 
created by the WTO launch of World Cotton Day in 2019 , and to push for positive and concrete 
results o n cotton trade negotiations and cotton -related development aspects, as well as the adoption 
of the U nited Nations (UN)  resolution proclaiming 7 October as international cotton day.  
1.5.  Mr Fernandes stressed that, due to the health situation in different parts  of the globe, 
WCD 2021 activities w ould be in line with those  held in 2020 . 
1.6.  Mr Fernandes added that the Secretariat was preparing a "Call for Participation " for inviting 
WTO Members, Observers, partner organizations, civil society, academia and the global cotton 
community to: ( i) engage in social media campaigns; ( ii) organize global activities such as: 
(a) lectures, panels and roundtables ; (b) photo contest; ( c) showcasing products, results, social 
responsibility activities, and innovation in cotton  production and value chain; ( d) organizing field 
visits; ( e) promoting recognition, prizes and award ceremonies among cotton stakeholders; 
(f) sharing knowledge on cotton by informing, educating and engaging the public through social 
 
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.  
2 Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali.  TN/AG/SCC/W/38 • WT/CFMC/65  
 
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  media campaigns using  #WorldCottonDay ; and ( g) attracting media attention by participating in talk 
shows, panel discussions, media briefings , and radio  and TV call -in shows.  
1.7.  The Chair thanked the Secretariat for the report  and invited the C -4 to report on the activities 
organi zed and to provide an update on the status of the  draft resolution before the U nited Nations  
General Assembly  (UNGA) for an official recognition of WCD.  
1.8.  Ambassador Sougouri of Burkina Faso , speaking on behalf of the C -4, Côte d'Ivoire and 
36 African cotton producing countries , reiterated the significance of the WCD 2021  celebration, 
especially for the C -4 countries , as it would  serve as an opportunity to recognise the importance of 
cotton as a global commodity , and to highlight its central role in creating jobs and providing economic 
stability  in several developing countries , particular ly in least-developed  countries (LDCs) .  
1.9.  He reported that informal consultations on the draft UN resolution proclaiming 7 October as an 
international cotton d ay were taking place between the C -4 countries and other UN members. He 
reiterated the C -4 request for WTO Members to support its efforts before the UNGA , and welcomed 
comments and suggestions on moving forward so as to  ensure adoption of th e resolution  this year . 
1.10.   The Chair  thanked the C-4 for the update and expressed hope that the resolution would be 
adopted in 2021 .  
1.11.   The Executive Director of ICAC, Mr Kai Hughes , made the case that an international day for 
cotton would be important in increasing awareness of all that was good about cotton and the positive 
effects it had on people 's lives , so that demand for cotton c ould be increase d. Furthermore, he 
expressed the view that WCD w ould also provide an opportunity to correct myths about cotton such 
as those concerning water consumption and pesticide usage.  
1.12.   He added that cotton demand was driven by consumer s who need to be convinced that cotton 
was not just the natural fibre of choice , but the fibre of  choice  for all the benefits inherent to it .  
1.13.   He drew participants'  attention to a dedicated  website created by ICAC for WCD 
(https://www.worldcottonday.com/ ) where visitors could  find ideas for the 2021  celebration . He 
further encouraged Members who had plans for  WCD 2021  to upload the content onto the website 
so people c ould see what others would do and also to keep a  record of the events organized . 
1.14.   He encouraged Members to inform the ICAC of any events they would b e holding, so that the 
organization  could promote those  on social media and upload the m to the World Cotton Day website.  
1.15.   He reported  that ICAC would aim at secur ing the support of at least a few major brands in 
each region globally , so as to generate as much attention as possible . 
1.16.   With regard to the  recogni tion of World Cotton Day by the  UN, he stressed it would give a 
"stamp of approva l" and outstanding publicity , which would also enable engagement with retailers 
and brands , and with the general public.  
1.17.   He further added that  the ICAC had a committee to promote WCD with the participation of 
organizations from all over the world , such as : Cotton Incorporated, Cotton Council International 
and Supima in the USA ; the Bremen Cotton Exchange in Germany ; and Cotton Australia. Th ose 
organizations ha d come up with a slogan to set the theme for this year's World Cotton Day so as to 
send a positive message about cotton. That message was "Cotton for Good ". He, lastly, offered 
assistance to Members , who could  contact the ICAC at wcd@icac.org . 
1.18.   The Chair thanked ICAC and praised it for its efforts on WCD 2021.  
1.19.   The representative of China express ed appreciation to the C-4 for the group's continued 
efforts on WCD 2021 , and in seeking UN approval of WCD. He stated that China, a s a major consumer 
and producer of cotton , had always been in support of the initiatives intr oduced by the C -4, including  
previous WCD activities . For WCD 2021,  China was planning a physical exhibition.  
1.20.   He further noted that China support ed the C -4 countries and would actively participate in the 
preparation of the physical exhibition, radio progr ammes and publications on cotton developments , TN/AG/SCC/W/38 • WT/CFMC/65  
 
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  and cooperation with African Partners and Members worldwide. Lastly, he noted that China w ould 
promote cooperation with Members in efforts to build consensus for further results in the cotton 
negotiations.   
1.21.   The Chair thanked the delegate of China and recorded  that due note ha d been taken of China's 
planned activities  for WCD 2021 . 
1.22.   The representative of Turkey  reported  that they w ould participate in the WCD 2021 events 
and also engage with the relevant institutions in Turkey , such as producers, processors, consumers, 
exporters , and other stakeholders . He affirmed that  Turkey w ould be supporting the UN resolution 
to achieve approval at the  2021 UNGA.  
1.23.   The Chair thanked the representative of Turkey for his report on all the intended activities for 
WCD 2021 and for its support for the adoption of the UN Resolution.  
1.24.   Ambassador Sougouri of Burkina Faso , speaking on behalf of the C -4, expressed appreciat ion 
to all Members who expressed support for the C -4 activities and efforts on the WCD  resolution . He 
noted that WCD was a common cause for all DGCFMC participants , and that there was a need to 
work together to promote cotton and its by -products.  
1.25.   The Chair  thanked Ambassador  Sougouri for his statement . 
1.26.   The Chair thanked all  the delegations who took the floor and shared their updates and 
comments  on WCD . She expressed appreciation and encouragement that, despite the 
sanitary -related challenges and restrictions , WCD 2021 would be celebrated by Members and 
partners organizations worldwide through  meaningful and diverse events.  
1.27.   With regard s to the C-4's efforts in proclaiming 7 October as international day for cotton  
before the UNGA , the Chair stressed that  it was important to recall the reason s behind the initiative , 
including the need to tackle global cotton -related trade and development challenges. Lastly, t he 
Chair noted that the C -4 had circulated a copy of the  draft WCD  resolution on 22 March  2021 to all 
WTO Members , request ing comments and support , with a view to  ensur ing that the resolution would 
be adopted at the  2021 UNGA. 
1.28.   The Chair proposed that the report of the meeting would reflect all statements made under 
this agenda item , and indicated that the Secretariat would implement follow -up actions accordingly.  
2  STATEMENT BY THE C -4 COORDINATOR  
2.1.  Ambassador Sougouri of Burkina Faso , speaking on behalf of the C -4, Côte d'Ivoire and 
36 African cotton -producing countries, stressed that  the COVID -19 crisis c ontinue d to had disastrous 
effects on the cotton sector in Africa , as had been reported at the 34th Round of Consultations of 
the DGCFMC . He informed participants that several studies ha d examined  the extent and 
consequences of this crisis on the whole wor ld, and on the lives of the populations of the LDCs.  
2.2.  He noted that large quantit ies of cotton produced in C-4 countries during 2020 remain blocked 
in factories, transit hubs or in ports, where they were exposed to weather  conditions , and stated 
that this had resulted  in huge financial losses . That scenario had been coupled with drops in cotton 
prices caused by the slowdown in fibre sales.  
2.3.  He stressed that the cotton sector s of the LDCs needed, more than ever , the support of 
development partners  to find lasting solution s to the c hallenges faced by  cotton growers , and to help 
build a strong and resilient economic basis . Therefore , the C-4 urge d technical and financial partners 
to support efforts and initiatives for production  and processing at the national and regional levels, 
including the development of infrastructure in the cotton sector.  
2.4.  While expecting  concrete results on the trade negotiations at the 12th WTO Ministerial 
Conference  (MC12), the C -4 encourage d the implementation of projects and program mes for the 
development of the cotton sector in its member countries  to stimulate cotton production, 
transformation and production of value -added products.   TN/AG/SCC/W/38 • WT/CFMC/65  
 
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  2.5.  To achieve th ose objective s, the C -4 asked for support for the regional cotton initiative named 
"The Cotton Road Map Project". The project aimed to ensure the development of the cotton value 
chain , which would be instrumental in creating jobs, fight ing poverty, improv ing food security , and 
ensuring sustainable economic and social development in the region.  
2.6.  The C -4 also asked for support  on the transfer of technology and know -how for the 
development of cotton by-products , so as to enable the development of their value chain.  
2.7.  Finally, the C -4 expresse d its wish that th e DGCFMC continue d to be the forum for exchanges 
to find concrete solutions and tackle development concerns in the cotton -producing LDCs. 
Ambassador Sougouri underscored that t he C -4 cou nted on the leadership of the new 
WTO Director -General , Dr Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala,  to bring new life into the WTO, with a view to 
making the Consultative Framework Mechanism a real lever for the development o f LDCs.  
2.8.  The Chair  thanked the C -4 for their statement and called on Members and partner organizations 
to attend to the C -4 and other African cotton producers' needs  on cotton . 
3  RECENT DEVELOPMENT IN THE GLOBAL COTTON MARKET AND ADVANCED 
TECHNOLOGIES IN AFR ICA. 
3.1.  Mr Kai Hughes of ICAC  noted that the introduction of advanced technologies for Africa  was a 
recurrent  topic. He noted, h owever, th at there were significant challenges to the introduction of 
some of those  technologies  in the continent .  
3.2.  First, on recent development s in the global cotton market, h e reported that, for the 2021/ 2022 
season, global production was expected to increase by 5% . Output was  due to  reach  25.5 million 
tonnes , with increase d planted area in West Africa  and the United States - with p roduction in the 
latter expected to increase by 16% , to 3.7 million tonnes. Higher prices to farmers ha d been 
announced in Mali and Burkina Faso for  the 2021/ 2022 season and , thus, area and production were 
expected to rebound for the region following the contraction in the  2020/2021 season.  
3.3.  He underlined  the good news that production for West Africa was expected to recover , with 
38% growth , and was set to reach 1.47 million tonnes. Exports from the region were also expected 
to continue to recover from the pandemic -related trade disruptions in 2019/20 20 and would increase 
to over 1.4 million tonnes. Planted a rea in China, how ever, was expected to contract with production 
decreasing to 5.7 million tonnes. Meanwhile, pla nting a rea in Pakistan was also expected to continue 
to contract by 5% , due to limited seed availability and production constraints.   
3.4.  He reported that global con sumption for 2021/ 2022 was expected to increase moderately 
by 2% and reach  25.3 million tonnes , as the global economy continue d to recover. Cotton t rade was 
also expected to increase to 10 million tonnes , with import increases expected across all the major  
consuming countries. Global ending stocks were expected to increase slightly to 22 million tonnes , 
as the stocks -to-use ratio f ell to 0.87. Cotton s tocks in China, however, were expected to decrease 
as stocks in the rest of the world continue d to rise and  cotton prices continue d to be under pressure 
from lower polyester prices with the price difference between the two widening .  
3.5.  He emphasi zed that there was an optimistic picture for Africa , and that ICAC had already begun 
rolling out programmes designed to increase sustainability and to double yields in some countries 
within three to five  years.  
3.6.   On advanced technologies in Africa, h e focused on some technologies relevant to small holder  
cotton farmers , and on how those  technologies could help them.  
3.7.  He sta rted by examin ing six technologies that could make  big difference s in cotton producing 
countries , i.e.: (i) genetically modified (GM)  hybrid seed s; (ii) processed seeds ; (iii) conservation 
tillage for soil health ; (iv)  pressurized water technologies ; (v) robotics, drones ; and, finally , 
(vi) virtual reality tools and mobile applications .  
3.8.  With regards to GM hybrid cotton seed s, he noted tha t GM BT cotton did not increase yields , 
but it was rather an insurance policy t o protect the plant s from the bollworm pest. He noted that 
GM BT hybrid  cotton  seeds were present in India. Nonetheless, t he rest of the world grows TN/AG/SCC/W/38 • WT/CFMC/65  
 
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  GM varieties and not hybrids. China and Pakistan tested  GM BT cotton hybrids , but preferred 
adopting GM BT varieties over B T hybrids.  
3.9.  He explained that the main difference between hybrid seeds and variety seeds was that hybrid 
seeds were meant for single use , and saved seeds c ould not be reused for sowing in the following 
season. In contrast , variety s eeds could  be re-used over several subsequent seasons. H ence, h ybrid 
seeds must be purchased every year. B T variet y seeds  cost less than half the price of BT hybrid 
seeds, and were equally effective in controlling  bollworms. He explained that BT hybrid seeds were 
less sustainable because they produce d a few non -BT seeds that accelerate the development of 
insect resistance , unlike B T varieties which d id not produce any non -BT seeds i n their bolls. Hybrid 
seeds were sown in low plant density , grew for a longer time , and need ed more water over a longer 
period . Moreover, t hey did not perform well under rainfed conditions , which remain the predominant 
cotton production method in Africa . 
3.10.   He reported that, except for South Africa and Burkina Faso , all other African countries ha d 
either introduced B T-cotton hybrids or ha d been testing them. He stressed that  BT cotton kills 
bollworms very much like other  insecticide s would  but without  increas ing yields.  
3.11.   While hybrid cotton d id perform well with higher yields for a few years , under  conditions with 
good irrigation and with high fertilizer use, its performance in rainfed conditions ha d been highly 
inconsistent.  
3.12.   He suggested that Africa  cotton producers  must consider global experiences and data before 
deciding on whether t o adopt BT-hybrids , BT-varieties , or non -BT varieties.  
3.13.   With regard to " processed seed s", he underscored that s eeds in all advanced  cotton -producing  
countries were delinted, graded , and treated with chemicals to protect the seedlings effectively. He 
noted that, in Africa, the use of fuzzy seeds was one of the main reasons for low er yields  than in  
other regions . 
3.14.   He suggested that African countries must  seriously consider delinting seeds and grading them 
for high vigor and high germination percentage . He reported that a  Pan-African Project was being 
proposed by the ICAC, the African Cotton Foundation  (ACF) , and the Centre de coopération 
internationale en  recherche agronomique  pour le développement  (CIRAD ), and he expressed the 
hope that African countries w ould support th at project.  
3.15.   The third technology presented was conservation tillage. Mr Hughes noted that t his technology 
had been adopted in more than 70% of the cotton -producing area in Brazil, the United States , and 
other major cotton -producing countries.  
3.16.   The technology was seemingly simple and easy to adopt , and was widely considered to be an 
effective tool in combating cli mate change  by prevent ing soil erosion, reduc ing weeds, fix ing 
nitrogen , and enhanc ing soil organic matter which helps the crop to combat drought and 
water -logging.  
3.17.   With regard to drip irrigation , he noted that the initial investment and maintenance costs  were 
very high. He therefore suggested that Africa n producers could employ  bio-mulches, water 
harvesting, and planting on ridges and furrows so as  to conserve water and increase water use 
efficiency . 
3.18.   Regarding robotics , he noted that  it had been used  for sowing, crop monitoring and picking  
in large cotton -producing countries.  Furthermore, d rones were used to identify  insects, monitor crop 
health, carry out field surveys , and spray pesticides. Sensors were also being used in soil nutri ent 
estimates, soil moisture predictions , and pest monitoring .  
3.19.   While drones and robotics were quite expensive, sensor technologies for pest monitoring and 
crop health monitoring were much more affordable. He also noted that several small machines  and 
tools had been developed in India and China resulting in great benefits for small  scale farmers . Those  
could be easily  used and assembled  in Africa.  TN/AG/SCC/W/38 • WT/CFMC/65  
 
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  3.20.   He noted that t echnologies such as artificial intelligence based mobile applications enable d 
communicat ion with illiterate farmers in their local languages and dialects. In this regard, he 
mentioned t he ICAC Soil and Plant Health App lication , which inform ed famer s about  the best tim e 
to plant the ir crop; monitor ed the progress of the crop ; used its artificial intelligence ( AI) component 
to identify pests and diseases ; and provide d a warning system to farmers in the ir local area , while 
also collect ing data on sustainability at the loc al level.   
3.21.   For this purpose, he stressed that the COVID -19 pandemic  had led to the impos ition of 
restrictions that had impeded  farmers  from receiving extension workers and experts  in the fields . In 
this context , virtual reality training technolog ies had provide d an innovative alternative to farmer s, 
allowing for extended training and education .  
3.22.   The Chair  thanked ICAC for its interesting and thought -provoking presentation , especially 
considering the socio -economic objectives of boost ing productivity and improv ing agricultural 
practices .  
3.23.   The representative of China  thanked  ICAC for the presentation and asked : (i) what c ould be 
done to improve the quality of cotton produced in Africa , and which cotton variety  would be mo st 
suitable  to meet the demands of textile industries ?; and (ii) regarding mechanisation for cotton 
production  in Africa, which were the  tools used predominantly  by small scale farmers , and how could 
they could be mechani zed to reduce labour intensiveness ? 
3.24.   The representative of Burkina Faso  thanked ICAC for its informative and  insightful 
presentation , which ha d provided concrete information for C -4 countries , and which would help in 
their efforts to enable farmers to obtain higher cotton yields. He then asked for the presentation to 
be circulated to the C -4 for further analysis and implementation on the ground . 
3.25.   The Chair confirmed that the ICAC presentation and all other presentations w ould be uploaded 
to the WTO cotton webpage , and shared with all DGCFMC participant  after the meeting . 
3.26.   The representative of India  inquired whether the findings about BT hybrid seeds on yields had 
emerged from research conducted by the ICAC  or from general resea rch. He also asked which type 
of seeds could be used to increase productivity.  
3.27.   The representative of Benin  thanked Mr Hughes for the wealth of information p resented  on 
how African  cotton -producing countries could improve  yields. He noted, however, that using small -
scale tools was the opposite  of what Benin had been  doing , as it preferred large  machines for 
mechanisation in order to boost yields.  
3.28.   The representative of ICAC  responded that the quality of African cotton was known as being 
among  the best in the  world. With regards to the mechanisation of African cotton production, he 
noted tha t large machinery was  quite expensive , and that small-scale famers generally could not 
afford to buy it unless they cooperated with one another to do so . 
3.29.   Regarding the question of high cotton yields, he stated that there were simple solutions that 
could be adopted, such as the use of delinted or treated seeds.  
3.30.   Responding to the question on BT hybrid  seeds, the representative of ICAC  noted that several 
studies  had showed they initially did well by draining  the nutrients and water in the soil , and were 
therefore  suitable for irrigat ed areas . In addition, BT hybrid seeds  were expensive and could 
therefore less easily be afforded  by African farmers.  
3.31.   The representative of C ôte d'Ivoire  inquired whether there was a  cost-benefit study on the 
adoption of the technolog ies presented for Africa.  
3.32.   The representative of Burkina Faso  noted that  they had  already started treating seeds before 
planting , and th at that had indeed  helped to boost productivity  levels . He further noted that 
Burkina  Faso was experimenting with drones and mobile app lication s to communicate with farmers 
about weather and rainfall forecasts . TN/AG/SCC/W/38 • WT/CFMC/65  
 
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  3.33.   The representative of  ICAC responded that a cost -benef it analysis would be an important 
exercise to undertake . In response to Burkina Faso, he noted that , by adopting  best practices with 
the assistance of ICAC, Chad and Uganda had increased their production by approximately 40%.  
3.34.   He concluded by noting that ICAC w ould start  introducing productivity programmes in Togo, 
Côte d'Ivoire, Zambia, Burkina Faso , and Cameroon  in 2021 .  
3.35.   The Chair  thanked  Mr Hughes for his presentation  and for ICAC's efforts  to support  the 
development of the cotton  sector , and thanked  the Members that took the floor  for their comments 
and questions . 
4  DIRECTOR -GENERAL'S EVOLVING TABLE ON COTTON DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE  
4.1.  The Chair  introduced item 4 of the agenda by recalling that the latest version of the Evolving 
Table on Cotton De velopment Assistance ("ET") had been circulated in document  
WT/CFMC/6/Rev.30.  
4.2.  Mr Robson Fernandes of the Agriculture and Commodities Division  presented the latest revision 
of the ET. He first explain ed the structure of the ET , which was divided into four main parts: 
(i) notified cotton -specific projects; (ii) notified active projects on agriculture and infrastructure -
related activities benefitting the cotton sector directly or indirectly; (iii) contact details of national 
cotton focal points in beneficiary countries ; and (iv) project demands for cotton -related development 
assistance submitted by beneficiary developing Members . He noted that the ET also included two 
annexes listing all completed projects previously notified to the WTO, which were important fo r 
statistical and analytical monitoring purposes . He also informed Members that t he updated 
information was also available on the Cotton Portal (https://www.cottonportal.org/cotton ).  
4.3.  The information received for the latest revision include d updates under Part I on cotton - specific 
programmes by Australia, Brazil, Germany, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United 
Nations ( FAO), the Unite d Nations Conference on Trade and Development ( UNCTAD ) and the United 
Nations Industrial Development Organization ( UNIDO ).  
4.4.  Under Part II , on projects on agriculture and infrastructure -related activities benefitting the 
cotton sector directly or indirectly , notifications ha d been received by Canada, Germany, and  Japan.   
4.5.  Mr Fernandes reported that , due to the new notifications  received  and the changes  introduced 
in ongoing projects , the latest version of the E T showed a decrease in the committed monetary value 
for both active cotton -specific programmes and for agriculture and infrastructure programmes.  
4.6.  The representative of Brazil  reported that Brazil  had made progress in all five ongoing projects  
that it notified . Since the last version of the ET, Brazil  had disbursed an additional US D 2.3 million 
despite the  economic  effects of the pandemic . With those  new disbursements, Brazil had provided 
over US D 45.3 million  in cotton -specific development assistance programmes . 
4.7.  He also  commended  the WTO Secretariat and developing country Members , particularly the  C-
4, for the inclusion of Part IV  in the E T, as that inaugurate d a new avenue that would allow both 
beneficiaries and the development assistance communit y to better  identif y the needs and 
opportunities that w ould boost cooperation in the cotton sector . 
4.8.  The Chair thanked Brazil for the update s and for its comments on the new part of the Evolving 
Table.  
4.9.  The representati ve of Mali , on behalf of the C -4, congratulated the WTO Secretariat  for the 
newest version of the ET. He  welcomed  the fact that the ratio of total disbursements versus total 
commitments for cotton -specific development assistance programmes had  gone from 28% in the 
30th version  of the ET  to 32% in the last version  in its Part I. Likewise, on agriculture and related 
infrastructure programme s, in Part II, a slight  improvement  from 27% to 28%  had been recorded . 
4.10.   He further stressed that , in order to perpetuate gains and meet new challenges, the C -4 would 
welcome a substantial increase in cotton development assistance , in order to enable their economies 
to cope with the harmful effects of the pandemic.  He recalled the regional initiative " The C otton  Road TN/AG/SCC/W/38 • WT/CFMC/65  
 
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  Map Project " aimed at ensur ing the development of the cotton value chain , and serving as  an 
instrument to create  jobs, improv e the food security situation, and ensur e sustainable and inclusive 
social and economic development  in the region. Finally, the C -4 urged Members to contribute to 
other national and regional projects that could promote production, processing and marketing of 
their cotton and cotton by -products ba sed on the development component of the 
11th WTO Ministerial Conference Decision on cotton.  
4.11.   The Chair thanked  the representative of Mali for their statement , and for having encouraged 
all development partners to contribute to the regional cotton programme as well as to the 
implementation of projects promoting the development of the cotton industr ies in LDCs . 
4.12.   The representative of Mozambique  also thanked the WTO Secretariat for the assistance 
provided on cotton  and further extended gratitude to the C -4, dono rs and developing agencies 
engaged  in cotton development assistance .  
4.13.   The Chair  thanked all those who had provided inputs for revision of the E T and noted that, 
despite the decrease in committed amounts for cotton -specific programmes, there ha d been an 
increase in the number of projects from 26 to 27.  She added that th ose targeted cotton programmes 
ultimately help to empower local cotton producers , and that they enable d various actors to develop 
cotton value chains in some of the poorest regions  of the world. She emphasize d the need to continue 
focussing on the needs of cotton -produc ing developing countr ies to address their technical assistance 
and development needs , and to improve their cotton production, transformation, and trade.  
5  SOUTH -SOUTH C OTTON COOPERATION  
5.1.  The Chair  introduced item 5 of the agenda by acknowledging the regular 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 upda tes on relevant programmes.  
5.2.  The representative of Brazil  highlighted the initiatives that Brazil had develop ed with African , 
Latin American and Caribbean  partners , and with other international organizations , under the 
South -South Cotton Cooperation  to promote sustainable development of cotton value chain s. The 
Brazilian Cooperation Agency  from the Ministry of External Relations  (ABC/MRE),  the FAO, and seven 
partner countries (i.e., Argentina ; Bolivia,  Plurinational State of ; Ecuador ; Colombia; Haiti; 
Paraguay ; and Peru ) had joined forces to implement the  +Cotton project.  
5.3.  He added that t his trilateral South -South cooperation initiative ha d been investing financial 
resources from the Brazilian Cotton Institute (IBA) and provided technical a nd human resources 
from different partner s and  institutions to strengthen the cotton value chain.  
5.4.  He reported on some of the outcomes so far , including : 9,778 producers benefited ; 
700 students trained in Paraguay and Colombia ; 340 artisans and their organizations strengthened ; 
2,419 local technicians and professionals trained  at the field level ; and validati on and replicati on of 
good agricultural practices.   
5.5.  As a result of that initiative, h e reported that there ha d been an average increase of 23% in 
the yield of cotton produced in family farming ; a 48% reduction in the application of pesticides and 
a 80% increase in income from sales  in Paraguay; revenue increased by 45%, yield increased by 
48%, and the use of pesticides was reduced by 45%  in Peru ; revenue increased by 29%, 
performance improved by 17%, and costs were reduced by 10%  in Colombia; and income increased 
by 163%, yield by 55%, and pesticide use reduction by 27%  in Ecuador . 
5.6.  He also reported that t he regional project + Cotton  celebrate d World Cotton Day 2020 through 
a series of virtual seminars, along with other projects from the Brazilian South -South cooperation 
program me such as the Shire Zambezi and Cotton with Decent Work projects, in collaboration with 
the Internat ional Labour Organization (ILO). Those webinars were held over a week and they brought 
together more than 1,000 attendees and 46 exhibitors.  
5.7.  The representati ve of China  noted that China ha d developed five cotton  training programmes  
for the C -4 and also other  cotton -producing countries  in Africa . He also reported on two 
countr y-specific programmes in Uganda and Madagascar. One regional pest control programme that TN/AG/SCC/W/38 • WT/CFMC/65  
 
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  had been supported since 2019 covered Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda , and had been implemented 
with the collaboration of the FAO. China had also supported the participation of C-4 experts in some 
important cotton -related events, such as WCD. In January 2020, at the request of the C -4, China 
had funded the participation of Geneva -based C -4 experts at the high -level workshop and 
C-4 Ministerial meeting held in Burkina Faso . China also provide d technical assistance for cotton 
cultivation in Benin. Despite the difficulties resulting from COVID -19, Chinese experts conducted 
training programmes  to help the Benin cotton sector. From  March to May 2021, programmes 
supported by China ha d successfully trained 2000 people in Benin in  planting machinery operation 
and maintenance , with the  participation of the Ministry of Agriculture and the local Cotton 
Association.  
5.8.  The representative of India  reiterated the support it provided to  African count ries. The second 
phase of technical assistance partnership , cover ing more than 11 African countries , focused on 
cotton production and improving post -harvest and capacity building in the cotton industry. He further 
recalled that India provide d duty-free and quota -free access to all cotton imports from LDC s, which, 
as a result,  were significantly higher for India than the world average . He concluded by stressing 
that India remain ed committed to building long -term partnership s with Africa , especially on cotton . 
5.9.  The representative of Chad , on behalf of the C -4, thank ed the Members who had contributed 
to cotton-related  projects in Africa . With regard to the importance of South -South cooperation , he 
asked that priority be given to supply chain projects that would  improve production and 
transformation  at a local level to help to reduce poverty , as this had been e xacerbated by 
the COVID -19 pandemic . 
5.10.   He further called on partners to support the regional " Cotton  Road Map Project" .  
5.11.   The Chair thanked all the delegations who took the floor to share information and details on 
their South -South cooperation program mes. She also encouraged developing countries to continue 
strengthening South -South cooperation on cotton , and recalled that the contri butions 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 the item had been 
requested by the C -4, and that it constituted a major improvement to the practical work of the 
Consultative Mechanism. She added that discussions under the agenda item also responded to the 
Ministerial Mandates on cotton formulated in paragraph  11 of the 2015 Nairob i decision and 
paragraph  10 of the 2013 Bali decision.  
6.2.  The representative of Burkina Faso , speaking on behalf of the C -4, expressed their appreciation 
to development partners for their contribution s in the implementation of cotton development 
assistance p rojects whose objective s were to improve the productivity and competitiveness of the 
cotton/textile/clothing sector s. Those projects ultimately aimed to encourage the processing and 
local upgrading of cotton with a view to diversifying both the sub -regional and international markets. 
He noted  that the C -4 countries were faced with  enormous challenges in implementing "The C otton 
Road Map Project ". The proje ct cover ed a seven -year period, including a pilot implementation phase 
of four years followed by a three -year acceleration phase. He reported that , two years after its 
launch , only two components of the programme had been initiated, namely those related to  the 
valorisation of seeds and promotion of investment s, transfer of technology and know -how. The 
components for the creation of value add ition to the cotton fibre in West  Africa  and Centra l Africa 
were still awaiting implementation.  
6.3.  Because of the import ance of "The C otton Road Map Project " to the region's development, 
the C-4 reaffirm ed the group's desire to organize a round table on financing pending cotton projects 
and programmes , which would be held i n the margins of the 12th WTO Ministerial Conferenc e. The 
group would furthermore welcome the participation of all DGCFMC partners  at this event .  
6.4.  He further reiterated that the C -4 supported the discussions to enhance the effectiveness of 
the DGCFMC through the ongoing discussions to update item 6 of the agenda.  TN/AG/SCC/W/38 • WT/CFMC/65  
 
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  6.5.  He urged the WTO Secretariat to undertake a comprehensive study to assess the impact of  
the COVID -19 pandemic on the agricultural sector , with a view to identifying appropriate and 
targeted solutions to help cotton production, processing and marketing , including to cotton 
by-products.  
6.6.  He stressed that the C -4 appreciated the efforts by devel opment partners to mobilize more 
resources to  support the cotton sectors in LDCs, in accordance with the 2013 Bali and 2015 Nairobi 
Ministerial Decisions.  
6.7.  Finally, he proposed the establishment of a "management committee" to co -ordinate the 
implementation  of the project on transfer of technology and know -how for the development of cotton 
by-products in LDCs.  
6.8.  The Chair  thanked Ambassador Sougouri for his intervention under  this agenda item and noted 
that the Secretariat ha d taken note of all the request s made, particularly on a comprehensive study 
to assess the impact  stemming from the COVID -19 pandemic to the cotton sector , with a focus on 
African LDCs .  
6.9.  The Chair then invited Ms Xiaoping Wu, Counsellor, and Mr Ting -Wei Chiang, Young 
Professional, both from the WTO Intellectual Property, Government Procurement and Competition 
Division (WTO/IPD) to make a present ation on the "Implementation of Article 66.2 of the TRIPS 
Agreement: incentives for technology transfer to least developed country members and overview of 
technology transfer in the field of agriculture technology ". Since this was the first participation of 
the WTO/IPD in the Consultative Mechanism, the Chair welcomed the presenters and encouraged 
their active participation in sharing knowledge and strengthening synergies in the work ahead . 
6.10.   Ms Wu  recalled Article 66.2 of the TRI PS Agreement and reported that from 2008 to 2021, 
14 annual workshops ha d been organized  addressing  technology transfers from developed Members 
to LDCs . 
6.11.   She noted that during the 2021 workshop  the following topics had been covered : (i) a 
dedicated session on technology transfer in the field of agriculture ( e.g., the E uropean Union 
technology transfer for the production of sustainable cotton seed oil in Burkina Faso) ; (ii) a survey 
on technology transfer for identifying the needs and priorities of LDCs Membe rs; and (iii) a summary 
of technology transfer programmes reported by developed country Members from 2018 to 2020.  
6.12.   Regarding the technology transfer programmes  on agriculture , Mr Chiang reported  that 
110 program mes had been notified  to the WTO , benefitting  35 LDCs. He added that the 
United  States  of America , the E uropean Union and Switzerland were the top providers of technology 
transfer and collectively report ed 70% of the program mes. The top three beneficiaries were 
Myanmar, Ethiopia and Mozamb ique.  
6.13.   With r egard s to the survey, 14 WTO LDC Members responded to it : Angola, Bangladesh, 
Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, The Gambia, Guinea, Haiti, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mali, Myanmar, 
Nepal, and Zambia.  
6.14.   The presenters then presented relevant projects that had been notified to the TRIPS 
Committee : (i) Australia 's ASEAN Regional Diagnostic Network Project for the  diagnosi s of plant 
pests and diseases in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar (IP/C/W/646/Add.2; IP/C/W/656/Add.3) ; 
(ii) the European Union 's technical as sistance on cotton policies, organic cultivation and low 
contamination, seed purification, development of new hybrids and related certification, experimental 
cotton plantation in Egypt (not LDC Member, IP/C/W/646/Add.7) ; (iii) Switzerland 's programme  on 
increased productivity for producers of certain raw materials (i.e. cotton, cocoa, and coffee) 
(IP/C/W/646/Add.1; IP/C/W/656; IP/C/R/TTI/CHE/1) ; and (iv)  Switzerland 's programmes  on 
technologies for crop rotation, drip irrigation, alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and laser levelling 
to enhance water efficiency for 65,000 cotton or rice farmer families in Myanmar and 
Madagascar  (IP/C/W/656; IP/C/R/TTI/CHE/1).  
6.15.   With regard to future work , Ms Wu highlig hted: (i) an improve d survey for identifying the 
technology transfer needs and priorities of LDC Members ; and (ii) elaboration of a  comprehensive 
list of specific types of technolog ies in the agriculture sector.  TN/AG/SCC/W/38 • WT/CFMC/65  
 
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  6.16.   The Chair thanked WTO/IPD for the useful an d interesting presentation and underscored th e 
possibilit y of synergies between the work of the DGCFMC and the WTO/IPD, particularly with regard 
to Article 66.2.  
6.17.   The Chair  then opened the floor for comments and questions.  
6.18.   The representative of Chad  thanked the Secretariat for the presentation , and noted that it 
provided  further ideas of how Article 66 .2 of the TRIPS Agreement  could be implemented from a 
practical  perspective . He stressed that t he implementation of Article 66.2 of the TRIP S Agreement 
remain ed a high priority for the LDCs . He then asked the presenters whether a study could be  
undertake n to find out the actual steps that ha d been taken in agriculture and specifically in  the 
cotton sector.  
6.19.   The representative of Mozambique  expresse d appreciation for the Secretariat's presentation , 
and encouraged Members to discuss further  how tangible programmes can be developed to transfer 
technology to LDCs,  and assist them financially  to achiev e technological  objectives .  
6.20.   The representative of Bu rkina Faso  expressed thanks for the  interesting presentation , and 
stressed that the topic was very important to the C -4, especially for cotton -producing countries  
and LDCs that would appreciate more tangible results on technology  transfer. He asked what could 
be done to ensure  technology transfer in the field.  
6.21.   Responding to the question by Burkina Faso, Ms Wu  noted that t echnology  transfer was an 
important part of the  balance of the  TRIPS  Agreement , which include d other provisions not 
mentioned during the presentation . She also noted that one of the main challenges  for LDCs was to  
identif y their needs  and priorities in the field of technology transfer : those  would eventually be 
included in the upcoming survey  results. 
6.22.   The Chair thanked WTO/IPD for the ir presentation , and noted that  follow -up action s would 
include continuing the interaction over avenues for further collaboration . 
6.23.   The Chair then invited Ms Saskia Widenhorn, Global Programme for Sustainability and Value 
Added in Agricultural Supply Chains  from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale 
Zusammenarbeit  (GIZ)  of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and 
Development  (BMZ)  to present on the GIZ/BMZ Sub-Saharan Cotton Initiative . 
6.24.   Ms Widenhorn  noted that the programme focus ed on consumer demands, and thus could be 
classified as "from the shelf to field" work.  The programme also f ostered cooperation between local 
companies and global companies for a more transparent, fair and sustainable  value chain . A "Call 
for Proposals " had been launched in March 2021 , target ing ideas from within the supply chain on 
needs and opportunities to be sought . 
6.25.   The programme cover ed the following thematic areas: sustainable production, improved 
seeds, climate change mitigation and adaptation, local processing, and digital traceability purchasing 
of sustainable African cotton.  It aimed to increase farm income, improve employment, increase per 
hectare  yields, cultivate land more sustainably, build capacity , and purchase increase d quantities of 
sustainable African cotton . 
6.26.   She noted that  the programme targeted project s of between EUR 500,000 and 
EUR 2.5 million , and that the consortia should contribute appro ximately  50% of the value . The period 
over which  project s should be implemented would be up to three years .  
6.27.   The Chair  thanked GIZ /BMZ for the informative presentation and  opened the floor for 
questions  and comments . 
6.28.   The representative of C hina asked what difficult ies were encountered during the selection 
process,  e.g., pairing local and international companies in consorti a, also in the development and 
implementation phases of those  projects.   
6.29.   The representative of Burkina Faso  congratulated Ms  Widenhorn for the presentation  and for 
the GIZ/BMZ initiative  supporting  the development of the cotton sector .  TN/AG/SCC/W/38 • WT/CFMC/65  
 
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  6.30.   The representative of C ôte d'Ivoire  noted that o ne of the major challenges of commodity 
producing countries was the price -setting process . He therefore asked w hether the link established 
between producer s and buyers could lead to  price increase s for cotton  producers .  
6.31.   The representative of GIZ/BMZ , responding to China , reported that the selection process was 
ongoing . However, she explained there was a platform where local companies could liaise with 
European companies to facilitate the matchmaking. Regarding the question posed by the  
representative of C ôte d'Ivoire, Ms Wi denhorn explained that , at this initial phase of the programme , 
no concrete example  of improved producer sales prices could yet be mentioned , but that this was 
one of the objectives envisaged by the programme . 
6.32.   The Chair thanked GIZ /BMZ  for the presentation , and thanked Members for the questions and 
comments that followed.  
6.33.   The Chair then invited Mr Damien Sanfili ppo, Director of Global Program mes at the Better 
Cotton Initiative  (BCI), to give a present ation on how a BCI program me could be set up  in a new 
countr y.  
6.34.   Mr Sanfilip po reported that the BCI programme  was currently adopted in 25 countries . He 
recalled that BCI was founded in 2005  by a number of organizations willing  to work out a practical 
solution to secure a sustainable future for the cotton sector. In that respect, multi-stakeholder 
dialogue was fundamental to the work of BCI  as it engag ed in discussions with members and 
partners . Currently, over  190 retailer s and private groups represent ing more than 400 international 
brands  were responsible for  sourc ing over 1.5 million MT of Better Cotton in 2019.  He noted that 
BCI was largely market -driven  by companies which had made a commitment to source all their raw 
material in a more sustainable manner.  
6.35.   He explained that the Better Cotton Standard System  (BCSS)  served  as a tool to help achiev e 
more sustainable cotton production, handling, transformation and processing. The system sought  to 
ensure that cotton  was sustainable from an  environment, social and economic perspective . 
6.36.   He reported that for the 2018/ 2019 season, 2.1 million farmers  were licensed to sell their 
cotton to the market as BCI labelled cotton . Those  farmers were located in  23 countries and 
account ed for 22% of global production.  
6.37.   He stated that there were essentially two di fferent models  for setting up country program mes: 
(i) direct implementation of the BCSS , where it  was implemented either by BCI  country  teams or by 
BCI strategic partners ; or (ii) a one-way recognition of local standards  by a third party, where there 
was a credible locally -owned cotton production standard system in the country or region  which  was 
benchmarked against the BCI standard scheme through an independent gap analysis  for 
equivalence .  
6.38.   Amongst the criteria used to evaluate a potential country program me, BCI examined : 
(i) demonstrable need for improvement o f social , environmental or economic conditions ; 
(ii) demonstrable demands ; (iii) relevant and qualified potential strategic partner s who c ould take 
responsibility for the program me locally; (iv) production volume s and the number of farmers ; 
(v) multi-stakeholder ownership ; (vi) medium -term and long -term potential ; (vii) risk assessment 
of the operating environment ; and (viii) financial support, including a viable long -term funding 
mechanism. H e noted, h owever, that none of those  criteria warranted exclusion . 
6.39.   The BCI country programme process include d first the submi ssion of a declaration of interest  
indicating whether the conditions regarding the existing situation were met. This was followed by a 
multi-stakeholder workshop with local stakeholders, before the  signing of a strategic partnership 
agreement . The whole process c ould take from 12 to 18 months .  
6.40.   The Chair  thanked Mr Sanfilippo for the presentation and opened the floor for c omments and 
question s.  
6.41.   The representative of C ôte d'Ivoire  asked whether UNIDO  could serve as an intermediate in 
the process , on behalf of a country . TN/AG/SCC/W/38 • WT/CFMC/65  
 
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  6.42.  The representative of BCI  responded that countries could  contact BCI directly, but, if there 
was already an established link with UNIDO , that channel could also be used , considering UNIDO 's 
considerable experience in the field.  
6.43.  The Chair  then invited Mr Escipión Oliveira Gómez , Assistant Secretary General  for the 
Department of Structural Economic Tran sformation and Trade  of the  Organization of African, 
Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) , to make a present ation on  the 
topic:  "OACPS -EU Programme: Business friendly and inclusive national and regional policies, and 
strengthening productive capabilities and value chains".  
6.44.  Mr Oliveira Gómez  recalled that  the OACPS aimed to promote sustainable development of 
its Member  States for gradual integration into the global economy and with the ultimate objective 
of reducing , and eventually eradicating , poverty  and empowering youth and women.  
6.45.  He reported that the  OACPS and EU had jointly  implement ed a framework programme for 
private sector development , together with other UN organisations : this sought  to improve the 
business environment ; strengthen the c apacity of intermediary organisations and micro, small and 
medium enterprises ( MSMEs ); and support the informal sector , including  through  micro finance 
schemes, investments and loans including blending facilities.  
6.46.  The joint OACPS -EU programme for the cotton industry  support s business -friendly and 
inclusive national and regional policies  to strengthen productive capabilities and to enhance value 
chains , in collaboration with the W orld Bank, UNIDO , and the International Trade Centre  (ITC) . 
The total budg et of the program me was GBP 34.7 million , sourced from the European Development 
Fund and target ing Benin, Burkina Faso, Kenya , and Zambia . The programme also partnered  with 
the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa ( COMESA ) and the Southern African  
Development Community ( SADC ) to promote intra -regional and continental trade.  
6.47.  He reported that  the activities covered include : public-private value chain alliances ; 
fostering cooperatives ; supporting quality systems and standards ; conducting training, studies, 
and branding ; developing inclusive market and buyer linkages : providing  production insurance ; 
purchasing  equipment ; developing e-commerce tools ; developing design, improving performance 
and governance ; supporting  eco-friendly practices, soil health and yields ; providing market 
intelligence ; and e xchang ing best practices . 
6.48.  He reported that , as a result of the programme , Benin and Burkina Faso c ould increase their 
exports of cotton & textile products by USD 62.6 million and USD 65.8 million, respectively. In line 
with the current export structure  of those countries , cotton offer ed the best export growth 
potential , especially to  Asian markets.  
6.49.  He als o reported that Kenya 's apparel exports had a potential  export growth of 
USD 139 million , considering  the preferential market access that had been provided under 
Economic Partnership Agreements. Zambia c ould increase its cotton  and textile exports by 
USD 34.7 million. He noted that the intra-regional export potential by 2023 was seven times higher 
than that with the rest of the world . 
6.50.  He also presented other examples of  OACPS programmes covering the c otton sector, 
includ ing: the Boost Africa Initiative (EUR 60 million) implemented via the African Development 
Bank (ADB) and the European Investment Bank ; the Farmers ' Organisations for ACP Programme 
(EUR 40 million) in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development  (IFAD), 
the Pan -African Farmers Organisations and various African Regional Farmers Organisations  for 
capacity building ; the "Investment Climate Reform Facility " (ICR) ( https://www.icr -facility.eu/ ), a 
joint initiative of the OACPS, the European Union, the British Council, Expertise France, 
GIZ/BMZ  and the Netherlands Development Organisation ( SNV). 
6.51.  With regard to future actions, he reported th e promotion of "Cumulation of Rules of Origin " 
between countries trading under "Everything but Arms " (EBA) and "Economic Partnership 
Agreements " (EPA)  so as to enable the creation of regional and continental value chains , as well 
as the establishment  of an "OACPS Business Forum " via the creation of a network of 
OACPS  regional and national private sector focal points.  TN/AG/SCC/W/38 • WT/CFMC/65  
 
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  6.52.   The Chair thanked Mr  Oliveira Gómez  for the  presentation , asked  how long the  joint OACPS -EU 
program me had been in progress , and whether some of the results  and challenges could be shared 
with Members.  
6.53.   The representative of OACPS  replied that the programme ha d been in progress for almost 
three years , but that implementation ha d been slow ed because of the pandemic: for this reason, 
relatively few  results and experiences could be  share d at this stage . 
6.54.   He stressed th e objective s of promoting high value -added products, foster ing pride in local 
products, promoting regional trade, and also promoting online market  tools to local producers . 
6.55.   The representative of Chad  asked how  local and regio nal markets c ould be developed.  
6.56.   The representative of China  asked for examples of some of the main problems in the African 
and Caribbean cotton industr ies in relation to trade, p roduction  and processing .  
6.57.   Responding to the representative of Chad, Mr Oliveira Gómez noted that , to improve local and 
regional markets , it was essential to facilitate intra-regional transport , and that the African 
Continental F ree Trade Area (AfCFTA) could  highlight solutions t hat would  improve the current 
situation.  
6.58.   Responding to the Chinese representative, Mr  Oliveira Gómez  noted that challenges were 
found in all areas , and that a coordinated across -the-board strategy should be sought .  
6.59.   The Chair  thanked Mr Oliveira  Gómez for his presentation and expressed the hope that 
the OACPS would continue to participation in the Consultative Mechanism  and share their 
experiences . 
6.1  Presentation on Cotton -related Development Assistance Requests submitted by 
Beneficiary Members to the Evolving Table  
6.60.   Mr Robson Fernandes  reported that the latest revision of the Evolving Table (ET) in  document 
WT/CFMC/6/Rev.30  include d a new Part IV  compil ing cotton -related development assistance 
requests su bmitted by developing country Members . This new Part IV to the ET had been  decided 
during the 34th Round of the DGCFMC on 12 November 2020, and was in line with paragraph 10 of 
the Bali Ministerial Decision (WT/MIN(13)/41) and paragraph 11 of the Nairobi Ministerial Decision 
(WT/MIN(15)/46).  He reported that eight projects ha d been presented by individu al Members , as 
well as one regional project from the C -4, i.e., the "Cotton Road Map Project".  
6.61.   He explained that the new Part IV comprised of  six columns: (i) project request ID; (ii) title 
of the project submitted; (iii) e stimated value; (iv) r eported sta tus (implementation in progress , 
open, partially concluded, concluded or removed); (v) full p roject details; and (vi) the beneficiary 
Members.  He further noted that the main objective of this compilation was to keep track of demands 
submitted by beneficiar y Members to  DGCFMC , so as to give visibility to beneficiary Members ' cotton -
related needs . 
7  DOMESTIC COTTON SECTOR AND OTHER REFORMS/NATIONAL COTTON FOCAL POINTS  
7.1.  The Chair  introduced agenda item 7 and highlighted the latest revision of the Table on Domestic 
Cotton Sector Reforms in document WT/CFMC/21/Rev.18 , which included  updates that had been 
submitted by Burkina Faso.  
7.2.  The representative of Burkina Faso  reported on recent internal cotton sector reforms.  He noted 
that the government  set-price for cotton  of CFA  270, with a view  to reach ing 640,000 tonnes of 
high-quality cotton  in the 2021/2022 season . 
7.3.  He also reported that the government  had been undertaking a study on new economic model s 
for the cotton sector  addressing economies of scale and import ance of research and development .  
7.4.  He further reported that Burkina Faso was working to develop the cotton processing value 
chain , and was also working  on the 3rd edition on the International Cotton Fair  (SICOT) , which would TN/AG/SCC/W/38 • WT/CFMC/65  
 
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  offer go od opportunities for  investors and project managers to assess  the implement ation of cotton 
projects in Africa.   
7.5.  The Chair thanked the representative of Burkina Faso for the updates.  
7.6.  The representative of Mali  encourage d Members to pursue significant outcomes by MC12 on 
domestic support for cotton.  He further  noted that  almost four million farmers made their living 
directly and indirectly from the cotton sector in Mali . The sector was also responsible for 
around  4,700 jobs .  
7.7.  He reported on reforms to the  management and structure of the Compagnie Malienne pour le 
Développement des Textiles  (CMDT).  He further noted that , as in most cotton -producing countries 
in Africa, the cotton sector in Mali had been  strongly affected by the C OVID -19 pandemic, mainly 
due to the  drop in cotton prices , and a drastic drop in seed cotton production , which fell from 
710,000  tonnes in 2019/2020 to 156,522 tonnes in 2020/2021, representing a 77.95%  decrease . 
7.8.  Faced with th is situation, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fi sheries organized  national 
cotton meetings with a view to taking steps to make the sector more resilient to disruptive 
exogenous factors , including by strengthening the capacities  of farmers' organizations , reorganizing 
input supply and financing, setting an incentive price for seed cotton program mes, and maintaining 
fertilizer su pport . 
7.9.  He reported that the objective for the 2021/2022 agricultural season  was to produce 
820,000  tonnes of seed cotton and 340,300 tonnes of cotton fibre. 
7.10.   He concluded by calling on all WTO Members to adopt concrete solutions in the current 
negotiations  to preserve and promote LDC cotton sectors , which the lives of millions of people 
depend  on, cotton  trade being  a vital tool with which to fight poverty and ensure sustainable 
development.  
7.11.   The Chair  thanked the representative of Mali for their intervention . 
7.12.   The delegation of Benin  submitted  a statement which highlight ed that, for the third 
consecutive year , Benin rank ed as a major cotton producer in Africa, with a record production of 
731,056 tonnes in 2021. The statement further noted that i n Benin the management of the cotton 
sector was exclusively entrusted to the private sector through a framework agreement signed 
between the State and the Inte rprofessional Cotton Association (AIC).  
7.13.   Some i mportant reforms  were implemented in 2020 to improve  performance of the sector 
and ensure its sustainability : the creation of the Cotton Research Institute (IRC)  in charge of 
research, innovations, supervision and agricultural advice;  the establishment of the Control and 
General Inspection Department ; the establishment of a framework for the indebtedness of 
Organizations  of Producers ( OP); adoption of actions to  fight against fraudulent outflow of cotton ; 
and the revitalization of agricultural mechanization, by increasing the ginning capacity of seed cotton 
through a partnership with  the National Agricultural Mechanization Agency (ANAMA) and the three 
Agricultura l Mechanization Training Centres. 
7.14.   AIC, through the IRC , had started to promote sustainable production technologies through 
the agroecological transition project in the  cotton zones of Benin financed by the Agence Française 
de Développement (AFD). That project aimed at scaling up  sustainable production technologies , 
including:  better management of soil organic matter by securing harvest residues ; implementation 
of concerted resource management measures  for natural resources through the promotion of inter -
actor consultations at the field level (integration of agriculture and livestock) ; use of plant  fertilizers 
in rotations before  cotton growing; sustainable mechanization of production through the introduction  
of agricultural equipment and mechanization of agricultural delivery services  for the benefit of 
producers  and in collaboration with  ANAMA . 
7.15.   AIC was also responsible for supervis ing production  to ensure  ownership  by local farmers . In 
addition, the association  had been working on d igitization of plot s for monitoring the land use and 
producer s' production . AIC was also coordinating disbursement of  cotton fund s to local  producers.  TN/AG/SCC/W/38 • WT/CFMC/65  
 
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  7.16.   Those  actions aimed to improve the average yield  up to 1,500 kg/ha , for a total  cotton 
production of 1,000,000 tonnes at the end of the 2023 /2024 campaign . 
8  CONCLUSION  
8.1.  The Chair  concluded by thanking all participants and Members for the useful discussions held 
during the meeting.    
8.2.  She noted that good progress had been consolidated through the DGCFMC work. A clear 
example had been the discussions on cotton projects and the envisaged update of Item  6 of the 
agenda of the Consultative Mechanism.  
8.3.  She commended the donor community as well as the beneficiaries of cotton development 
assistance for their usual active engagement and constructive role in taking forward discussions, as 
reflected in the Evolving Table. She encouraged Members to continue us ing the DGCFMC as an open 
forum for project -focused discussions.  
8.4.  The Chair also thanked the interpreters, Conference Office services and IT for their excellent 
work.  
8.5.  The meeting was adjourned.  
 
 
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