Pakistan has sought access to better seed technology, research collaborations and lower duties in line with global trade agreements, while the US sought to remind it of the technological gap Pakistan faces in accessing US markets.
This was discussed as a delegation of US cotton industry representatives interacted with Pakistani cotton growers and millers at the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) House in Lahore on Wednesday.
A seminar had been organised at APTMA by Cotton Council International (CCI), Cotton Incorporated and Oritain.
The US delegation consisted of CCI President Steve Dyer, CCI Regional Director William Bettendorf, Cotton Incorporated CEO William Kimbrell, Supply Chain Marketing Asia Cotton Inc. Executive Account Manager Daniel Wong, Cargill Cotton Global Trading Manager Robin Pigot, Carolina Cotton Growers' Cooperative (Representing AMCOT) President Wayne Boseman, Oritain Head of Corporate Affairs Freddie Duffield, Oritain Business Development Manager Joshua Biss, US Embassy Islamabad FAS Counselor Chris Rittgers, CCI Country Manager Mazhar Mirza, US Consulate Economic Officer Doug Johnston, and Amna Anis from the US Consulate.
APTMA Senior Vice Chairman Kamran Arshad gave a detailed presentation in which he pointed out how the US is Pakistan's largest trade and investment partner, with a total trade of $7.2 billion.
He said there is a need to enhance bilateral trade relations to ensure technology transfer, which would see high-yielding cotton seeds come into Pakistan. He also stressed the facilitation of entry of international seed companies with transgenic technology.
Arshad stressed that the US should introduce improved, genetically modified, and certified seeds in Pakistan besides sharing information on the weather forecast.
He sought better research synergy between the US Cotton Research Institute for capacity building of agriculture research institutions in Pakistan to encourage training on contamination-free cotton production and to establish joint ventures with Pakistani partners.
North Zone Chairman Hamid Zaman emphasised the need for training on labelling cotton bales with regard to trash content, moisture and weight. He also urged the US to offer duty-free access for Pakistani exports to help reduce poverty and unemployment while encouraging new investment.
With regards to the market access facility to Pakistan, he said that it would not impact the US textile industry.
Former APTMA Chairman Adil Bashir stressed the need to have the facility for buy-back arrangements against cotton purchased from the US.
Pakistan, he said, should also be facilitated in terms of reduction in duties in line with the facilities extended under NAFTA.
CCI President Dyer said sustainability, traceability and circularity are being focussed on in the cotton trade. He apprised APTMA members on the demand and supply aspect as well as US trust protocols for cotton crops.
Joshua Boss from Oritain spoke at length about the traceability issue and explained the scientific methodology adopted by his organisation in this respect.
Both sides resolved to enhance mutual cooperation to boost bilateral cooperation in cotton, besides exploring investment opportunities in Pakistan.