A panel discussion on “Better Cotton” was held within the framework of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). The aim of the discussions, organized by “GP Cotton Holdings”, was to bring together stakeholders in the cotton industry value chain to discuss the development, challenges and opportunities of sustainable cotton farming practices.
Speaking at the discussions, Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov, Chairman of GP Cotton Holdings Young Simpson, Director of Standards of the Better Cotton Initiative Yanniss Bellinghausen, Executive Director of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) Eric Traxtenberg, Chairman of the UzTextile Association Mirmukhsin Sultanov and CEO of Prime Cotton Rovshan Mahmudov shared their views on how sustainable practices can increase sustainability, reduce environmental impact and support rural development.
GP Cotton Holdings Chairman Young Simpson said that collaborating with the Better Cotton Initiative is not only a step forward for GP Cotton and Azerbaijan, but also a major leap forward in taking the position of a major player in sustainable cotton production. By complying with BCI standards, Azerbaijan can meet the growing demand for responsibly sourced materials in Western countries, open the door to wider export opportunities and enhance our reputation as a reliable partner in global textile markets.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov shared his views on new technologies applied in cotton growing in our country, support mechanisms aimed at expanding the application of modern irrigation systems in cotton plantations, developing the value chain in cotton growing and other issues.
The panel discussions continued in a question-and-answer format.