TN/AG/SCC/W/45  
WT/CFMC/71  
 
10 Februa ry 2023 
(23-0992) Page: 1/9 
Sub-Committee on Cotton    
 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE ASPECTS OF THE  
COTTON -RELATED DECISIONS IN THE 2004 JULY PACKAGE AND  
PARAGRAPH 12 OF THE HONG KONG MINISTERIAL DECLARATION  
REPORT OF THE 3 8TH ROUND OF THE DIRECTOR -GENERAL'S  
CONSULTATIVE FRAMEWORK MECHANISM ON COTTON1 
HELD ON 10 NOVEMBER 2022  
1  INTRODUCTION  
The 3 8th Round of the Director -General's Consultative Framework Mechanism on 
Cotton  (DGCFMC) took place on 10 November 2022 under the chairp ersonship of  Deputy 
Director -General (DDG) Xiangchen Zhang  on behalf of  Director -General Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala.  
The meeting was held in  a hybrid  format (in-person and virtual participation) and was attended 
by the Cotton -4 (C-4)2, other WTO  Members, releva nt partner organizations, and key experts from 
the global cotton community.  
The Chair noted that the DGCFMC meeting would be followed  by a roundtable entitled " The 
current market situation for fertilizers and viable alternatives for cotton production ", chaired by 
DDG Jean-Marie Paugam and moderated by Ms. Marième Fall, Officer -in-Charge of the 
WTO Agriculture and Commodities Division  (AGCD) . 
1.1  World Cotton Day (WCD)  2022  
Mr. Robson Fernandes of the AGCD  recalled the announcement made during th e DGCFMC 
meeting in May 2022  that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations  (FAO)  would 
host WCD 2022 . He reported that t he WTO activ ely participated in the activities held in Rome on 
7 October 2022, where it was represented by a team led by DDG Paugam . In addition, Mr. Fernandes 
moderated a technical panel  on sustainable development of cotton production and the interlinkages 
with markets, trade, and policies . Furthermore, he noted that th e WTO Secretariat publish ed a News 
Item, set up a small exhibition in the atrium,  and ca rried out a social media campaign to disseminate 
the work of the WTO on cotton  and to celebrate the role of cotton for trade and development . 
Mr. Amrouk El Mamoun, Senior Economist, Team Leader  of the  Raw Materials and Tropical 
Products  at Markets and Trade Division of the FAO  reported on the activities undertaken to mark the 
date, including a high -level session, a technical panel , a in loco  exhibition, and several  bilateral 
meetings , including e vents hosted by FAO Director -General Qu Dongyu and authorities present in 
Rome. The high -level segment counted with the participation of several  ministers  and 
representatives of international organizations.  Publications were also launched to raise awareness 
about the cotton sector in terms of socio -economic development, the impact on the livelihood  of 
millions of farmers worldwide, and the importance of cotton to producing and consuming countries.  
He then concluded by expressing FAO's  intent ion to elaborate a joint 5-year plan for 
WCD celebrations to cover crucial themes for the sector  in a structured manner . This plan should 
also serve to sensitize all the stakeholders  and ensure a  strong er reach and impact.  
 
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/45 • WT/CFMC/71  
 
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Mr. Mike McCue, Communications Director  of the International Cotton Advisory 
Committee  (ICAC)  recalled th e history of WCD celebrations since the official  launch  in October 2019 
at the  WTO. He then reported on the several initiatives carried out by ICAC to celebrate the date, 
including competitions, prizes, and a social media campaign. According to him, the dedicated 
hashtag (#WorldCottonDay ) had been  broadly used , which could be tallied as account ing for  over 
USD 1.2 million in publicity and marketing expenditures .  
The Chair thanked Mr. McCue and invited the C -4 to make their statement on WCD 2022.  
The representative of Chad, speaking on behalf of the C -4, Côte d'Ivoire , and the 36 African 
cotton producing countries , noted  the importance of WCD and praised FAO for the activities held 
in 2022. He reported that several ministers from the C -4 participated in the events organized by 
FAO either in -person or virtually, including the attendance of Chad's Trade Minister and Cotton -4 
Coordinator, H.E. Mr. Ali Djadda Kampard . He stressed that the UN resolution  proclaiming 7 October 
as World Cotton Day acknowledges  the historic importance of cotton both as a global commodity 
and as a vital source of subsistence and revenue  for millions of people  around the world , notably in 
least-developed countries (LDCs). He reiterated the call to  all Member s, UN agencies, international 
and regional organi zations as well as civil society and non-governmental organizations  to continue 
to celebrate WCD to highlight the importance of cotton production, transformation, trade, and 
consumption , as well as the benefits  and challenges linked to  the cotton sector .  
He noted that the  question of investments had been  raised during the discussions in Rome, 
as it plays an essential  role to boosting production and yields. He stressed the coordination between 
the different actors to increase the value of cotton. He also noted that t he development of new seed 
varieties was quite relevant, as they are resistant to climate change and fight ag ainst insect pests.  
Hence, sharing of good practices and successful experiences, particularly in the development of 
value chains and the promotion of organic cotton , is needed to strengthen cooperation in the fight 
against soil erosion.  
He also pointed out  to the need  to work on the valorisation  and transformation of cotton 
by-products by proposing innovative approaches and by integrating all relevant segments.  
He concluded by stressing that World Cotton Day serves to remind everyone about the 
historical im portance of cotton as a global commodity and the vital role it plays in several countries  
as a source of income and a subsistence crop for millions of people, especially in LDCs.  Therefore, 
the C-4 welcome d the success of the different editions of WCD. The  various reports on the 
organization of this day were very  satisf ying and encourag ing. T he annual celebration  consist s of a 
real forum for exchanges around the opportunities offered by the sector and the challenges it faces.  
Thus, i t must be supported and promoted to make it a real lever for the development of the cotton 
sector in developing countries and LDCs.  
The representative of Brazil  reported on the contribution of technical cooperation projects 
between the Brazilian government  and the C -4 to the development of an institutional framework and 
training of technical staff in the cotton sector. He concluded by affirming Brazil's commitment to 
sustainable development of the cotton sector through international cooperation.  
The represe ntative of China  informed participants of China's recent initiatives, such as a 
cotton harvest competition and policy seminars, that seek to enhance coordination between cotton 
production practices and the domestic policies that promote cotton production.  
The Chair thanked all who reported on  their activities with regards to WCD  2022 and 
commend ed the FAO for successful ly hosting WCD 2022.  He also informed participants that the WTO 
Secretariat w ould announce plans to mark World Cotton Day on 7 October 2023  shortly .  
Lastly , the Chair report ed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the WTO and 
FIFA ha d been signed by WTO's Director -General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala, and FIFA's President 
Mr. Gianni Infantino on 27 September 2022, on the margins of the WTO Public Forum.  
The MoU contains an important cotton -related component and  refers directly to the need to 
support the development of the sector through value addition in the C -4 and Côte d'Ivoire.  TN/AG/SCC/W/45 • WT/CFMC/71  
 
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The signatories of the MoU, as well as all the national and international partners who will 
support the implementation of any activities linked to the MoU, share the common goal of supporting 
sustainable cotton production and value addition in the C -4 and Côte d'Ivoire, and in other African 
least-developed countries where cotton is of crucial socio -economic importance, while ensuring that 
football can further promote sustainable development for everyone to benefit from the global football 
economy.  He noted that to achieve th ose results, the W TO and FIFA welcome d the contribution of 
all the WTO partners in cotton -related activities, particularly those who own the technical expertise 
to support private sector development in the C -4 and Côte d'Ivoire.  Further news on the activities 
linked to the MoU would be conveyed to Members in due course . 
2  STATEMENT BY THE C -4 COORDINATOR  
The representative  of Chad , on behalf of the C -4, noted  the group's satisfaction with the 
WTO/FIFA Memorandum of Understanding, which highlights the issue of cotton. He affirmed that the 
agreement demonstrate d the willingness and commitment of the WTO and FIFA to support the 
efforts of countries to develop cotton value chains, especially regarding  the cotton -textile 
component, including support towards  productivity, marketing,  and competitiveness of the sector.  
He complemented that t he initiative was an important step forward that w ould help boost 
international trade, growth and sustainable economic development, particularly in favo ur of the most 
vulnerable countries.  
He stress ed that f or the C -4, the development of the cotton sector require d a common vision, 
an inclusive and sustainable partnership to find the most appropriate solutions for cotton , in both 
assistance and trade negotiations  aspects . 
He asserted that the promotion of the African cotton sector and  a multilateral trading system 
based on fair rules  are crucial for a greater integration of the C-4 economies into global value  chain s, 
thus making cotton trade a real lever for development, and a means to fight poverty and foster 
inclusive growth.  
He urg ed technical and financial partners to contribute to the implementation of program mes 
and projects promot ing the production, processing and ma rketing of cotton and its by -products.  That 
would help in  creating jobs for young people, and curb rural exodus which generate d waves of 
migration towards Europe . 
3  RECENT DEVELOPMENT S IN THE GLOBAL COTTON MARKET  
Dr. Keshav Kranthi , Chief Scientist of ICAC , delivered a present ation on the potential of biochar 
to improve soil health in Africa and boost cotton productivity.  
He recalled  that c rop yields were still low in Africa , with cotton yields the lowest in the world. 
He pointed out that one of the reasons was degraded soils , as m ost soils in Africa are acidic and with 
high bulk density meaning less porous and more compact , with low cation exchange capacity  – CEC, 
i.e., the soils do not retain nutrients such as potassiu m, calcium and magnesium that can be 
exchanged for hydrogen with roots . All this resulted  in low yields.  
He underscored that biochar has the qualities that c ould remediate the degraded soils of Africa  
as most crop residues are alkaline and therefore c ould rectify soil acidity. Furthermore, he noted 
that b iochar is highly porous and light , so it improves soil structure to reduce  the bulk density of the 
soil thereby retaining nutrients and water.  
Comparing soils in different parts of the world, he noted that yields were low in acidic soils if 
they are not neutralized with lime or if high levels of fertilizers are not used. However, the cost of 
lime and synthetic fertilizers were the highest in Africa , rendering synthetic fertilizers  and other 
chemical remedial  measures unaffordable.  
He also complemented that s oil compaction also le d to weak microbial activity and poor crop 
health , as h igh bulk density causes poor water infiltration, soil erosion, water logging, poor aeration 
and poor water movement in the soil.   TN/AG/SCC/W/45 • WT/CFMC/71  
 
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For that purpose, he referred to terra preta , to illustrate that biochar is nothing but charcoal 
produced from plant matter and stored in the soil as a means of removing carbon dioxide from the 
atmosphere. He added that b iochar c ould be produced from far m residue such as stalks of maize, 
cotton, sunflower etc., which are  rich in carbon and therefore support microbial growth in soils.  
He explained that biochar c ould be prepared through many methods. The  solution for 
small -holder farmer s in Africa  are kon -tiki and cone -pit. Converting 13 million ton nes of cotton stalks 
into biochar will insert about 20 million tonnes of CO2 (as 5.5 ton nes of carbon) into the soil to make 
cotton farming climate positive to achieve far beyond net -zero emiss ions. Hence, th at solution should 
boost y ields significantly and sustainably . 
He conclude d by stress ing that b iochar works best to remedy acidic soils. It t ook a few months 
to settle and allow microorganisms to build in the soil. Incorporating cotton -stalk biochar in African 
soils w ould neutralize acidity, increase CEC, and reduce bulk density. Th ose changes c ould enhance 
soil health and increase yields , especially by combining with  synthetic terra preta  to ensure long 
term sustainable soil health for susta inable farming systems in Africa.  
 The Chair thanked ICAC for their insightful presentation and opened the floor for questions 
and comments.  
The representative  of China  thanked ICAC for the interesting presentation and inquired how 
air pollutio n generated by the burning of stalks could be evaluate d in terms of CO2 emissions . 
The representative of Chad  indicated that biochar has the potential to address African 
countries' concerns on soil erosion and facilitate cultivation of acidic soil. He also inquired on the 
environmental impact of incinerating biochar, the compatibility of biochar with new cotton seed 
varieties, its potential for large -scale use and effectiveness as a long -term solution.  
The representative of Mali  inquired  on whether increase s in cotton yields due to the use of 
biochar would remain constant with long -term use.  
Dr. Kranthi  responded that biochar would cause the least pollution of all the available methods 
if it were incinerated in layers and ignited from the top, as this method  would not produce smoke.  
He clarified that the principle underlying any regenerative agricultural practice is the 
re-creation of microorganisms in the soil and, although biochar does this, permanent re -creation of 
an agricultural system using biochar could take between 5 and 10 years.  
The Chair thanked the representative of  ICAC for the informative presentation and the 
practical solutions  to improve soil health in cotton producing countries .  
4  DIRECTOR -GENERAL'S EVOLVING TABLE ON COTTON DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE   
The Chair recalled that the last version of the Evolving Table had been circulated to Members 
in document WT/CFMC /6/Rev.3 3 on 31 October 2022 and gave the floor to Mr. Fernandes to 
introduce the latest updates introduced into the document.  
Mr. Robson Fernandes  (WTO) mention ed that the last version of the Evolving Table 
(WT/CFMC/6/Rev.3 3) included updates submitted by Members and partner organizations since the 
last DGCMFC meeting in May 2022 and indicated that updates under Part I included new information 
by Brazil, the European Union, and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Develop ment 
(UNCTAD) . There were 2 9 ongoing active projects , including four new active cotton -specific project s 
by the European Union  in Benin, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Mali at the total estimated cost of over 
EUR 21.5 million .  
Under Part II, notification s had been received from Canada  and Japan  bringing the total number 
of active projects to 4 1.  
Lastly, he indicated that updated information on cotton focal points ' contact details had been 
received from Argentina and Mozambique, as reflected in the last versi on of the Evolving Table.  TN/AG/SCC/W/45 • WT/CFMC/71  
 
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The Chair thanked the Secretariat for the update s and opened the floor to comments on the 
latest version of the Evolving Table.  
The representative  of Brazil  indicated that an additional USD 4 million had been disbursed for 
their five on -going projects  reported in Part I of the Evolving Table since the May meeting . 
The representative of the European Union  recalled  the importance of seeking 
TN/AG/SCC/W/45 • WT/CFMC/71  
 
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The Ambassador of Mali, Mr. Konate,  on behalf of the C -4, Côte d'Ivoire and 36 other 
cotton - producing and exporting LDCs, expressed gratitude for the efforts to move discussions 
forward and the presentation o n the updated Evolving Table as well as the notifications sent by 
Members and partner organizations. He noted with satisfaction that the ratio between total 
commitments and total disbursements for specific cotton development assistance had reduc ed from 
34% to 32% since the  previous version of the Table. He noted, however, that some projects listed 
in the Evolving Table ha d not have any disbursement  and urged donors to start their implementation.  
He further thanked the representative of the E uropean Union  for his statement  which c learly 
showed the various types of support offered by the European Union to the C -4 countries , as well as 
to other partners. He encouraged all development partners to contribute to the implementation of 
the integrative and regional program me "Cotton Roadma p Project " to ensure the development of  
cotton  value chains and make cotton  a real instrument for job creation, poverty alleviation, improve d 
food security , as well as sustainable and inclusive economic and social development.  
The Chair concluded the agend a item by thanking Members and partner organizations for 
providing inputs to the revised Evolving Table , particularly : Brazil, Canada, the European Union, 
Japan, and UNCTAD .  
He emphasized the importance of the programmes and indicated that much more could still 
be achieved thanks to th ose types of fundings to develop the sector including through  the 
improvement of productivity, yields , and processing capacities.   
5  SOUTH -SOUTH C OTTON COOPERATION  
The Chair highlight ed the benefits of South-South Cooperation as a means  for the exchange of 
good practices and also commended Brazil, China, India and Pakistan , as well as all other Members  
on their regular contributions.   
The representa tive of China  thanked participants for their respective contributions. He informed 
participants of three South -South cooperation projects supported by China and the FAO, including 
two country -specific programs and a regional program. These programs have be en ongoing since 
2019 and focus on promoting crop and livestock production and improving crop pest control.   
He noted China's engagement with African countries, including the C -4, through technical 
assistance projects on cotton. He reported on an ongoing d iscussion with the C -4 on the processing 
and utilization of cotton by -products. He highlighted support to Benin, Sudan and other African 
countries through the provision of cotton inputs, technical training and construction of cotton 
production and storage infrastructure.  
He also mentioned a dedicated investment in and provision of technical services to Sudan, 
including through the construction of a 10,000 -hectare cotton domestication farm and provision of 
more than 20 new cotton varieties to over 6000 farmers.  
He conclude d by stating that China anticipated improvements in both the quality and production 
volumes of cotton as a result of these initiatives.   
The representative of Mali , speaking  on behalf of the C -4, thanked the different southern 
partners for their commitment s to the development of the cotton sector , notably in LDCs. He 
mentioned that  the economic benefits of South -South partnership s were of paramount importance 
to their populations and  urged development partners to maintain the ir support while directing more 
funding towards the realization of structuring projects, such as the integration of cotton value chains, 
the realization of private and public investments, and the sharing of experiences, technologies and 
know -how. That would help generate additional incom e, reduce poverty among youth and women, 
combat unemployment , as well as violent extremism and illegal immigration, while improving the 
food security of local population s.  TN/AG/SCC/W/45 • WT/CFMC/71  
 
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He concluded by reiterating the C -4's call for fund s to the "Cotton Road  Map Project". 
6  COTTON DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROJECTS  
The Chair recalled that this agenda item was in line with paragraph 11 of the Nairobi Decision 
of 2015, and paragraph 10 of the Bali Decision of 2013 and then opened the floor for the different 
interventions.  
The representative of Chad , speaking on behalf of the C-4, expressed their concerns on the  
lack of results in the trade negotiations on trade in agriculture and in cotton at  the 12th Ministerial 
Conference (MC12).  
He stated that t his disappointing result call ed for more efforts in the development front of the  
cotton dossier  with a view to mobilizing the financing and expertise necessary for the effective 
implementation of development projects in cotton -producing LDCs and C -4 countries.  
He welcomed the progress made during the 2nd Partners'  Conference held in J uly 2022, in 
particular regarding  the signing of a "Call for Action" in favo ur of cotton . He also praised 
Afreximbank 's pledge of USD  300,000 match funds to support the preparation of cotton value chain 
development projects in African producing countries.  
He express ed the C-4 appreciation on the signing of the M oU between the WTO and FIFA  and 
conveyed the  hopes that the ongoing discussions for the implementation of this unprecedented 
partnership c ould lead to concrete and ambitious outcomes for the benefit of cotton -producing LDCs . 
He reiterate d the C -4's call for funding to the i ntegrative and regional " Cotton Road Map 
Project " which was still pending , underlining its positive results for  the creation of integrated value 
chains for the transformation of cotton and capacity building for actors in the sector  regionally . 
Finally, he reiterate d the group's call for the creation of a "management committee" to be 
responsible for coordinating the implementation of the project relating to the transfer of technologies 
and know -how for the development of cotton co -products in LDCs.  
Ms. Carolina Rodrigues Salles , Brazilian Agency for Cooperation  (ABC/MRE)  and Mr. Camilo 
Quintero (FAO)  presented on the joint project for strengthening Latin American cotton value chain 
and g ood practices .  
Ms. Salles presented  on the "+Cotton" trilateral south -south cooperation initiative which had 
already invested more than USD 16 million in regional actions and in countries with financial 
resources from the Brazilian Cotton Institute (IBA) , focusing on: strategic alliances; social 
innovation; sustainable technology; and inclusive markets .  
She reported that the project has been v alidated in five countries  (Bolivia,  Plurinational State 
of; Colombia ; Ecuador ; Paraguay ; and Peru) for its  sustainable production model . The project has 
assisted over 1 4,000 farmers, rural youth and craftswomen  on the right  pesticide applications  and 
the recover y of degraded soils . The project ha d also assist ed in the d evelopment of public policy 
tools (national cotton plans, priority crops strategy, technical cotton tables ) and helped with 
commercial agreements and organization of b usiness roundtables , involving several  local and 
regional institutions . 
Mr. Quintero focused on the importance of family farming for cotton in the region and the 
assistance provided , including through cooperatives, youth,  and gender initiatives, and for promotion 
of food crops for income generation and strengthen food security of cotton growing families.  The 
technical assistance also covered soil preparation techniq ues, mechanical seeding, irrigation 
methods, and pest control . These for an inclusive value chain of different stakeholders  for financing, 
marketing, promotion, traceability , and technology .  
The Chair thanked M s. Salles and M r. Quintero  and opened the floor for questions and 
comments.  TN/AG/SCC/W/45 • WT/CFMC/71  
 
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The representative of Chad  asked whether ABC or the FAO could share any examples of 
technology transfer that could be applied or replicated in Africa. He also inquired whether the FAO 
provide d specific sup port to the organization of small -scale farmers into agricultural cooperatives or 
funded assistance to small scale farmers.  
Ms. Salles mentioned that there is a strong component of cotton projects being implemented 
in Africa, including in Mali, focusing o n for example, crop rotation to improve soil fertility. She added 
that a patent -free harvesting machine developed in Brazil for small scale producers has been tested 
in Paraguay and could be utilized  in Africa as well.  
Mr. Quintero recognized the importan ce of the cooperative system in Latin America. He also 
mentioned the value of an integrated crop system to supporting both small scale farmers and 
environmental sustainability. He stated that the Integration of crops, such as maize, corn and cotton, 
contri butes to rich carbonization of soil and food security for the farmers.  
Mr. Quintero concluded by mentioning the importance of considering the comparative 
advantages of various Latin American countries in different cotton fibres and establishing niche 
markets for small scale farmers.  
6.1  Presentation o f Cotton -related Development Assistance Requests submitted by 
Beneficiary Members to the Evolving Table  
The WTO Secretariat  informed participants that no new project request had been submitted 
by Members since t he previous meeting in May 2022 . Therefore, the 11 project requests listed in 
Part IV of the Evolving Table , submitted to date by Benin, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Mali, 
and one regional project from the C -4, the "Cotton Road Map Project" , were for consideration by 
donors and implementing organizations .  
7  DOMESTIC COTTON SECTOR AND OTHER REFORMS/NATIONAL COTTON FOCAL POINTS  
The Chair introduced agenda item 7 and invited delegations to submit their reports in writing 
for translation and publication in t he DGCFMC's series of document s. He under scored  the importance 
of this item as it provided updated information regarding reforms in the sector.  
With regards to the designation of national cotton focal points listed in Part III of the Evolving 
Table, he informed participants that the Secretariat had not received any updates on their 
coordinates which therefore kept the total number of Focal Points  at 17. He invited Members to 
inform the Secretariat in case of future changes given the importance of these contacts in facilitating 
commercial communications.  
The cotton focal point from Mali reported that four million cotton producers obtain ed their 
income from the commodity in the country. In addition, 4,700 people are employed with the 
Compagnie malienne pour le développement et du textile  (CMDT), support that cotton has a 
significant role for social and economic aspects in the country.  
The domestic s ector reforms are based on: a revamped in the administration and structure of 
CMDT, now with regional directorates; efficient industrial systems of cotton processing through the 
strengthening of CMDT and the promotion of the local consumption of textile an d cottonseed oil; 
support for cooperative; and improvement in the countries' infrastructure impact the sector.  
He noted that cotton production estimation has rebounded to a record of more than 
777,000  tonnes for the 2021 -2022 campaign. However, the 2022/2023 campaign was being affected 
by cotton pests, in particular jassids.  
He also reported that they had adopted the recommendations from the National Conference on 
cotton to set the terms and conditions  for transferring the prerogatives relating to the supply of 
agricultural inputs and cotton production processing equipment to CMDT due to their role and 
proximity to producers.  TN/AG/SCC/W/45 • WT/CFMC/71  
 
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Lastly, he referred to the two projects presented by Mali and examined at the Partners' 
Conference in July 2022, addressing: treatment of agricultural land in the cotton -growing areas; and 
the introduction of new cotton varieties in Mali.  
The cotton focal point from Burkina Faso  reported on reforms undertaken since the beginning 
of 2022, including a renewal of the agreement that links Burkina Faso to operators in the cotton 
sector. He stated that its renewal would facilitate the adaptation of the country's regulatory 
framework to address current and future challenges in the cotton se ctor.  
He reported on favourable weather conditions, the historic cottonseed purchase price of 
300 CFA and reasonable supply price for agricultural inputs. He also stated that the end of the 
2022-2023 cotton harvest was affected by infestations of pests, i ncluding jassids, which are resistant 
to the insecticides that are available on the market and currently in use.  
He noted rising security challenges due to terrorism that have affected cotton production in 
rich areas such as the east of Burkina Faso, whic h is responsible for 50% of the country's cotton 
production. He added that despite these difficulties, the outlook for cotton production could be 
improved and called for more specific pledges of support to cotton projects implemented by the C -4.  
He conclu ded by announcing the creation of a new industrial unit to drive the local cotton 
processing industry, create greater wealth and opportunities for women and youth.  
8  CONCLUSION  
To conclude, the  Chair thanked  delegates, participants,  and speakers, connected virtually and 
present in the room, for their attendance at the 38th DGCFMC meeting. He noted that the different 
contributions had allowed a rich and informative session which would serve as a basis to develop a 
more resilient, sust ainable, and productive cotton sector.  
He called upon Members and participants to continue to use the Consultative Mechanism as an 
open forum for project -focused discussions and recalled the availability of the Secretariat to provide 
support.  
He re called  that discussions would continue in the afternoon of the same day with a roundtable 
on the market situation for fertilizers and viable alternatives for cotton production .  
Before closing the meeting, the Chair gave the floor to the WTO Secretariat . Ms. Mar ième Fall 
announced the internal transfer of Mr. Robson Fernandes from the Agriculture and Commodities 
Division to the Trade Policy Review Division . She thank ed him  for his dedication and all the valuable 
work done on the cotton development file at the WTO  and wished him similar success in his  new 
functions. Ambassador Konate of Mali  and the C -4 coordinator , also expressed their appreciation for 
Mr. Fernandes ' work on cotton development aspects  over the past years, including the successful 
launch of World Cotton Day in 2019. Mr. Fernandes thanked the Members for the trust and 
collaboration, in particular  the C -4, noting all the  important achievements realized together, and his 
joy working in such an important  area as cotton development as sistance .  
The Chair concluded the discussions by thanking participants, the Secretariat,  interpreters, 
Conference Office services , and IT.  
The meeting was adjourned.  
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