36th Meeting of the Committee on CSITC

March 23, 2026, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

In-person at Bremer Baumwollbörse, Room No. 406, Bremen, Germany, and Hybrid

The Committee on Commercial Standardization of Instrument Testing of Cotton (CSITC) conducted its 36th meeting on Monday, 23 March 2026, in-person and virtually in Bremen, Germany, under the leadership of Dr Marinus (René) van der Sluijs.

Members Present

  1. Dr Marinus (René) van der Sluijs, Chair CSITC, Principal Consultant, Textile Technical Services, Australia
  2. Mr Axel Drieling, Senior Cotton Manager and Member of Executive Board, Faserinstitut Bremen, Germany
  3. Mr Peter Wakefield, Managing Director, Wakefield Inspection Services and Chair, Private Sector Advisory Council, ICAC
  4. Ms Gretchen Deatherage, Director Standardization, USDA-AMS, USA
  5. Mr David Rowland, USDA-AMS, USA
  6. Prof Iwona Frydrych, Gdynia Cotton Association, Poland
  7. Mr Gert Klindt, Quality Control Manager, Cotton South Africa, South Africa
  8. Dr Christopher Delhom, Research Leader, USDA-ARS, USA
  9. Mr Fatih Doğan, Mediterranean Textile and Raw Materials Exporters Associations, Türkiye
  10. Dr Mohammed Negm, Head of Spinning Research Department, Cotton Research Institute, Egypt
  11. Prof Suzan Husseini Sanad, Cotton Research Institute, Egypt

Observers

  1. Dr Terry Townsend, Cotton Analytics, USA
  2. Mr Jens Wirth, BBB, Bremen
  3. Mr Darryl Earnest, Earnest Consulting Services, USA
  4. Mr Peyman Dehkordi, Uster Technologies
  5. Ms Mona Qaud, Uster Technologies
  6. Ms Theresa Ritter, Uster Technologies
  7. Mr Justin Kuehn, Institute for Textile Technology, RWTH Aachen University, Germany
  8. Ms Vikki Martin, Cotton Incorporated, USA
  9. Ms Brooke Shumate, Cotton Incorporated, USA

ICAC Secretariat

  1. Mr Kanwar Usman, Head of Textiles, ICAC

The Chair welcomed the participants attending in person and those joining online. The Chair apologized for not being able to attend in person due to travel difficulties and thanked the members and observers for their participation.

Agenda Item 1: Adoption of the Agenda

The agenda for the 36th Meeting of the Committee on CSITC was presented and adopted by the Members.

Agenda Item 2: Approval of the Minutes of the 35th Meeting held on 29 September 2024

The Chair provided a brief overview of the minutes of the 35th Meeting, held on 29 September 2024 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on the sidelines of the 82nd ICAC Plenary Meeting. He noted that the minutes had been circulated to members and were available on the ICAC website.

The Chair recalled that the 83rd ICAC Plenary Meeting was initially planned to be held in Tanzania; however, due to the situation there, it was first postponed and later cancelled. Therefore, the present meeting in Bremen also covered matters pending since the previous CSITC meeting.

The Chair summarized the main issues discussed at the previous meeting, including the expansion of Round Trial participation, engagement with spinning mills, introduction of the new CSITC logo, transition from Task Force to Committee, update of the CSITC Guide, and the latest Round Trial results presented by Mr Axel Drieling.

No amendments were proposed. The minutes of the 35th Meeting were approved.

Agenda Item 3: Latest Round Trial Results and Comparisons by Mr Axel Drieling

The Chair invited Mr Axel Drieling to present the latest Round Trial results and comparisons.

Mr Drieling delivered his presentation titled “CSITC Contributions.” He explained that CSITC Round Trials remain one of the core activities of the Committee. The Round Trials (RT) are conducted four times a year and are jointly executed by ICAC, Faserinstitut Bremen, and USDA-AMS. ICAC is responsible for registration and payment, Faserinstitut Bremen for execution and laboratory contact, and USDA-AMS has historically provided the samples.

Mr Drieling explained that each RT consists of four cotton samples, with each sample tested 30 times over five days. Six properties are used for evaluation: Micronaire, Strength, Upper Half Mean Length, Length Uniformity, Reflectance Degree (Rd), and Yellowness (+b). Four additional properties, namely Trash Area, Trash Count, Short Fiber Index, and Maturity, are reported for information purposes only and do not form part of the overall laboratory evaluation.

He reported that since the previous meeting in September 2024, RT 2024-4 and all four Round Trials of 2025 had started and ended on schedule. RT 2026-1 started later than usual due to sample dispatch issues, with the deadline extended to the end of March and reports expected in April 2026. The start and timeline for RT 2026-2 are to be discussed under the next agenda item.

Mr Drieling explained the evaluation methodology and noted that the Overall Evaluation Result (OER) remains the key performance indicator. The OER is calculated from the deviation of each instrument’s results from the reference value, which is determined as the average result of all participating instruments after excluding outliers. The OER combines the six evaluated properties into a single value, with lower values indicating better performance.

He noted that the median OER has improved significantly since the early years of the program. Compared with the 2007–2010 period, the OER has improved by approximately 35%. Since 2019, the median OER has remained broadly stable at around 0.34, indicating that participating laboratories have achieved a consistently strong level of performance. He further noted that improvements have been observed across all evaluated properties.

Mr Drieling presented the detailed results for 2024 and 2025 and noted that results remained stable and at a good level. . RT 2025-3 and RT 2025-4 set new instrument participation records, with 178 and 176 instruments, respectively. In RT 2025-4, the  OER was 0.341, while the best instrument achieved an OER of 0.13. The 10%, 25%, 50%, and 75% OER benchmarks were 0.25, 0.28, 0.34, and 0.41 respectively, providing laboratories with a clear indication of their relative performance.

He also presented the regional distribution of participation in 2025. A total of 95 registered laboratories from 31 countries participated, covering nearly all major cotton-producing countries. Africa had 13 laboratories from 10 countries, Asia had 31 laboratories from 9 countries, Australia had 3 laboratories, Europe had 8 laboratories from 5 countries, North America had 19 laboratories from 3 countries, and South America had 19 laboratories from 3 countries. India, the United States, and Brazil were highlighted as major contributors to participation.

Mr Drieling further explained that, since 2024, laboratories have received percentile-based feedback showing whether their results fall within the best 10%, 25%, 50%, or 75% of participating instruments. This provides laboratories with a clearer understanding of their relative performance. He noted that the feedback received from laboratories on this enhancement had been positive.

Mr Drieling also presented the cost-benefit case for RT participation. He explained that the annual cost of operating an HVI laboratory can exceed USD 100,000 when instrument purchase, staff, laboratory conditioning, maintenance, quality management, and administration are considered. In comparison, the annual CSITC RT participation cost was relatively minimal, i.e., USD 1,600 for four RTs, and represents less than 1.2% of the estimated annual HVI laboratory cost. He emphasized that participation provides confidence in results, reduces the risk of quality claims, and gives laboratories recognized evidence of testing reliability. Moreover, each sample set can be used for up to four instruments.

During the discussion, Dr Terry Townsend recalled that CSITC was established to address inconsistencies in HVI results and to reduce disputes in international cotton trade. He noted that CSITC has helped reduce friction in cotton contracts by improving confidence in instrument testing. Mr Peter Wakefield added that quality claims based on differing HVI results still arise in trade and that retesting by accredited laboratories participating in CSITC remains important for claim settlement. The Chair added that, from an Australian perspective, where cotton is almost entirely exported, reliable HVI testing and CSITC participation are essential for maintaining buyer confidence.

In response to a question on reference values, Mr Drieling clarified that CSITC uses the average result of participating instruments after excluding outliers, rather than relying solely on official standard values. He explained that with a large number of participating instruments, the reference value remains stable and provides a reliable basis for comparison.

The Chair thanked Mr Drieling for his detailed presentation and thanked the participants for their comments.

Agenda Item 4: Exploring Alternative Options for Cotton Samples for Round Trials

The Chair introduced the agenda item and noted that recent developments had created uncertainty regarding the dispatch of samples for future CSITC RTs. He recalled that the United States had announced its intention to withdraw from several United Nations and international organizations, including ICAC. However, it was noted that no formal communication had yet been received by ICAC in this regard. The uncertainty had nevertheless affected CSITC operations, as the dispatch of samples for RT 2026-1 was delayed, requiring careful consideration of arrangements for RT 2026-2 and subsequent rounds.

Ms Gretchen Deatherage explained that, under the current circumstances, USDA-AMS would not be able to distribute samples for CSITC Round Trials while the program remains under ICAC. Mr Kanwar Usman informed the Committee that ICAC was continuing its engagement with relevant authorities in the United States, with support from industry associations and stakeholders.

The Committee discussed the need to ensure continuity of the RT without interruption. It was emphasized that any immediate arrangement should be considered interim and operational in nature and should not be interpreted as a long-term decision on the future structure of sample preparation or dispatch.

Mr Drieling presented possible alternatives, including ABRAPA in Brazil and İZLADAŞ, the İzmir Commodity, in Türkiye. He noted that ABRAPA has developed strong technical and operational capacity through its national cotton quality management system, central reference laboratory, regional RTs, check sample programs, training, and technical support to Brazilian laboratories. He highlighted that ABRAPA’s active role in Brazil’s cotton quality infrastructure and its strong participation in CSITC RTs demonstrate its capacity and commitment to supporting reliable cotton testing.

Mr Drieling also referred to the information provided by İZLADAŞ. He noted that İZLADAŞ is an ICA Bremen-certified laboratory and had shared a detailed workflow for sample preparation, analysis, packaging, and shipping, including coordination with relevant Turkish authorities and international cargo companies. The Committee appreciated that both ABRAPA and İZLADAŞ had responded constructively and demonstrated willingness to support the continuity of CSITC RTs.

The Committee also discussed the need to ensure sample homogeneity, as the reliability of RTs depends on the use of suitable and consistent samples. It was noted that any alternative sample preparation arrangement would need to follow a strict technical process to ensure comparability and confidence in the results.

The Committee agreed that continuity of the RT process is essential. It was understood that ABRAPA could be engaged as an interim option for RT 2026-2 to avoid disruption, without prejudging future arrangements or replacing USDA-AMS on a permanent basis.

Agenda Item 5: Enhanced Participation in CSITC Round Trials

The Chair opened the discussion on enhanced participation in CSITC RTs, including retaining existing participants, increasing participation from the spinning sector, considering the use of free samples, involving agents for outreach, and creating success stories demonstrating how CSITC supports participating laboratories.

The Committee noted that the increase in the participation fee from $325 to $400 per RT may have prompted some laboratories to discontinue participation. Mr Drieling confirmed that he would closely monitor 2026 participation and report to the Committee. The Committee agreed that CSITC’s value proposition must be communicated more clearly and proactively, particularly to smaller laboratories that may be more sensitive to cost increases.

The Chair noted that attracting spinning mills to participate in CSITC RTs has been a recurring and unresolved challenge across several CSITC meetings. He emphasized that a more structured approach is needed to demonstrate the practical and commercial value of participation to spinning mills.

Mr Wakefield shared his experience from Vietnam, where his ICA Bremen-accredited laboratory in Ho Chi Minh City engages with spinners on a regular basis. He noted that mills with in-house HVI instruments often consider their existing systems adequate and are reluctant to incur additional cost. Mills without in-house testing are also highly cost-sensitive and may submit only a limited number of samples from a shipment, which is not sufficient for reliable quality determination.

Mr Peyman Dehkordi noted that Uster Technologies regularly encourages customers purchasing HVI instruments to participate in CSITC Round Trials, as reliable data ultimately benefits their own operations. It was also noted that Uster had previously offered subsidized CSITC participation to new HVI customers; however, many customers preferred an equivalent discount on the instrument purchase instead. The Committee noted that these experiences indicate that many spinners either do not recognize the value of CSITC participation or do not understand it sufficiently to prioritize it.

Mr Justin Kuehn observed that country-level data showing the gap between the number of HVI instruments in operation and the number of CSITC participants would be useful for targeting outreach. The Chair estimated that approximately 2,500 to 3,000 HVI units may be in operation worldwide, of which only a small fraction are participating in CSITC Round Trials.

Ms Vikki Martin suggested that Cotton Council International could be explored as an outreach partner, given its regular engagement with spinners globally.

Mr  Usman recalled previous discussions on using spare samples to engage selected spinning mills and develop success stories. He noted that earlier work by Uster had indicated that improved testing results could support better mill settings and possible cost savings; however, stronger and more detailed evidence is needed to present a convincing business case to mill owners. Mr Usman also recalled Mr Wakefield’s earlier suggestion that cotton agents could assist outreach, as they are in regular contact with spinning mills and can help communicate the value of reliable testing and CSITC participation.

The Chair emphasized that the value proposition for spinners must be strengthened. He noted that spinning mills operate on narrow margins and that raw material quality directly affects end breakage, waste, noil extraction, carding, combing, yarn quality, and overall efficiency. Drawing on his own experience in spinning, he explained that testing cotton bales helps verify that the purchased cotton meets the required specifications and supports more consistent bale laydowns, both of which are important for mill efficiency and profitability.

The Committee discussed that a more focused and evidence-based outreach strategy is needed. Possible follow-up actions include engaging spinning associations in priority countries such as India, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Indonesia; exploring Cotton Council International as a potential outreach partner; developing a stronger commercial case showing the financial benefits of reliable fiber testing for spinning mills; identifying existing spinning mill participants who could share their experience with other mills; considering a practical pilot study with an instrument manufacturer such as Uster, Trützschler or Rieter; and exploring the role of cotton agents in promoting CSITC participation among spinning mills.

Agenda Item 6: Consideration of Training Program for Improvement of Results for Existing Laboratories, especially in Africa

The Committee discussed the possibility of developing a targeted training program to support existing laboratories, particularly in Africa, where several countries already participate in CSITC Round Trials. It was noted that training could focus on practical areas affecting laboratory performance, including sample preparation, conditioning, calibration, instrument maintenance, operator practices, interpretation of Round Trial reports, and corrective actions.

The Committee considered that the current CSITC results of participating laboratories could first be reviewed to identify where technical support may be required. If needed, relevant laboratories may be contacted, along with their respective ICAC Coordinating Agency Representatives, to assess interest and jointly develop a possible training program. Based on the level of interest and the proposed scope, opportunities for external support or donor funding could then be explored.

Agenda Item 7: Some New Topics to Enhance the Role of CSITC

The Committee considered several new topics that could potentially enhance the role of CSITC beyond Round Trials.

  1. Data Availability for Regional Fiber Differentiation

The Committee discussed the importance of reliable and comparable cotton testing data to better understand fiber characteristics by region. It was noted that regional fiber differentiation could support more informed purchasing, production, marketing, research, and policy decisions.

The Committee considered that this topic may be explored further, particularly as Bremen had also considered a similar idea in the past. CSITC’s RT infrastructure and cross-laboratory experience may provide a useful basis for further reflection on regional benchmarking of fiber characteristics. However, any such work would need to carefully address data quality, confidentiality, and appropriate use of information.

  1. Digital Product Passport

The Committee discussed the relevance of emerging Digital Product Passport requirements and the growing demand for structured, verifiable, and accessible information across textile supply chains.

It was noted that CSITC’s work on reliable instrument testing and standardized data could potentially support future systems where cotton quality, origin-related information, and testing credentials may need to be linked to product information. The Committee considered that this topic may be monitored and explored further, while ensuring that any possible CSITC role remains aligned with its core mandate on cotton testing reliability and standardization.

  1. Traceability

The Committee discussed traceability as an increasingly important issue in global cotton and textile supply chains, particularly in light of growing demand from brands, retailers, and regulators for credible information from farm to finished product.

It was noted that CSITC is not a traceability system. However, its role in supporting reliable and comparable cotton testing data could contribute to broader traceability and quality assurance frameworks, especially where testing data may need to be linked with cotton movement through the supply chain. The Committee considered that this topic may be explored further in connection with Digital Product Passport developments and other emerging traceability initiatives.

  1. Digitalization Across the Production Chain

The Committee discussed the broader role of digitalization across the cotton production chain, from farm to finished product. It was noted that digital tools and data integration could improve quality management, efficiency, transparency, and communication between producers, merchants, laboratories, and spinners.

The Committee considered that CSITC’s work on reliable testing data, RT results, and quality benchmarking could contribute to digitalized quality assurance systems.

The Chair noted that these topics could help CSITC remain relevant in a changing global cotton and textile environment; however, any expansion of the Committee’s role should be carefully defined and remain aligned with its core mandate.

Agenda Item 8: Proposal to Hold the Next Meeting of CSITC in October 2026 During the ITMF Annual Conference in Brazil

The Committee discussed the possibility of holding the next CSITC meeting in October 2026 on the sidelines of the ITMF Annual Conference in Brazil.

It was noted that this could provide a useful opportunity to engage with textile industry stakeholders, including spinning mills, and to benefit from Brazil’s active participation in CSITC RTs. The Committee considered that, if suitable arrangements are available, including the possibility of a hybrid meeting, the next CSITC meeting may be held during the ITMF Annual Conference in Brazil.

Agenda Item 9: Any Other Item with the Permission of the Chair

No additional substantive item was raised.

The Chair thanked all members and observers for their active participation and constructive contributions. He emphasized the importance of continuing the CSITC Round Trials, strengthening participation, especially from spinning mills, and exploring practical ways to keep CSITC relevant in the changing cotton and textile environment.

The meeting ended with a note of thanks to the participants, ICAC, Faserinstitut Bremen, and Bremer Baumwollbörse for their support in organizing the meeting.

 

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Dr Mansurbek Muminov is a senior scientist at the Scientific Research Institute of Fiber Crops in Uzbekistan. His efforts have focused on basic cotton ginning and spinning, and he has authored more than 10 comprehensive research papers in those areas.

 

Dr. Mansurbek Mo'minov is the Deputy Director for Scientific Affairs and Innovation at the Scientific Research Institute of Fiber Crops in Uzbekistan.

During her 30 years’ experience as an International Marketing Manager in the Australian cotton industry, Eimear has managed cotton lint sales and all aspects of the export supply chain. Eimear has served as a director for the Australian Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA).  As one of the first female Directors of the International Cotton Association (ICA), Eimear is a founding member of the ICA’s Women In Cotton (WiC) initiative that aims to improve diversity and the role of women in the global cotton industry. Recently appointed as the ICA’s representative to the PSAC Merchants Committee for the ICAC, and the current Vice Chair of the PSAC, she works to serve the cotton community to promote knowledge sharing and innovation. Her passion lies in connecting global buyers to a sustainable and traceable cotton supply chain and to promoting the good cotton story for the benefit of all.

 

Dr. Keshav R. Kranthi, Ph.D is the Chief Scientist at the International Cotton Advisory Com­mittee (ICAC), Washington, DC. Before joining the ICAC, he served as the Director of the Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR) in Nagpur, India, from 2008 to 2017. Dr. Kranthi has thirty-five years of experience as a cotton scientist. He received a gold medal in his Ph.D. in 1991 and has been honored with more than a dozen awards, including the Best CPP Program Award for Research Leadership by the Renewable Natural Resources Research International, UK; the ICAC Researcher of the Year Award in 2009; the Vasantrao Naik Smruti Pratisthan Award in 2004; the ICAR National Award for Leader of Best Team Research in 2006; Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences in 2009; the ISCI Recognition Award in 2010; Krishi Gaurav Award in 2010; Bhumi Nirman Award in 2011; ISCI Fellow in 2017; the Plant Protection Recognition Award in 2016 by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Suresh Kotak Global Cotton Award in 2023 and the CRDA life time achievement Award in 2024. Dr. Kranthi has four patents granted in South Africa, Mexico, China, and Uzbekistan, and six patent applications in India. He has published more than 100 peer-reviewed research papers, 20 books/handbooks/manuals, 17 book chapters, and more than 50 popular articles. Dr. Kranthi has presented invited talks and conducted training sessions in more than 40 countries. His research citations are in excess of 6,500. As the chief principal investigator, he coordinated and led more than 35 externally funded international collaboration research projects.

Dr. Charudatta Mayee, Ph.D is a distinguished Indian agricultural scientist and administrator with over five decades of contributions to Indian agriculture. Dr. Mayee currently serves as Adjunct Professor at IARI, New Delhi, and several ICAR institutions and universities. Dr Mayee served as Vice Chancellor of MAU Parbhani, Director of the Central Institute for Cotton Research (ICAR-CICR), Nagpur, and Agriculture Commissioner for the Government of India. Dr Mayee served as Vice President of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) India. Dr. C.D. Mayee has received numerous accolades spanning five decades, recognizing his transformative contributions to agricultural science. He is an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow and has received lifetime achievement awards from multiple institutions. His early career was marked by the Prof. M.J. Narasimhan Academic Award (1974) and V.P. Gokhale Award (1998), followed by national honors like the Vasantrao Naik Krishi Award (2002), ICAR Outstanding Team Research Award (2003), and Dr. B. Vishwanath Award (2005). He received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Indian Society for Cotton Improvement (2008), National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (2011), and Indian Phytopathological Society (2017), among others. Four universities conferred Honorary Doctorates (D.Sc.) for his pioneering work (2009–2023). Recent distinctions include the  Best Cotton Scientist Award (2022, Cotton Association of India), Krishi Maharshi for Cotton R&D (2024) and the winner of the ICAC Researcher of the Year Award 2025.

Dr. Khalid Mahmood is the Co-Founder of SAWiE, where he has been instrumental in developing digital farm advisory and farm data platforms supporting over 10,000 farmers in Pakistan, improving traceability and transparency across agricultural supply chains. He is leading the development of first-mile traceability systems and the TRUE Cotton platform, connecting farmers with sustainable global textile supply chains.

He also serves as Head of Partnerships at the British Society of Soil Science (BSSS), where he leads strategic collaborations to position soil health as a critical climate mitigation solution, linking soil management with carbon sequestration, water quality, air quality, and biodiversity restoration.

Trained as an Agricultural Economist (PhD, University of Göttingen, Germany), Dr. Mahmood combines strong scientific expertise with practical innovation to address global challenges in food security, ESG reporting, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture.

His past work includes leadership in research programs on carbon reduction in rice and livestock systems, and collaboration with leading institutions such as Rothamsted Research, AHDB UK, and the Thünen Institute (Germany).

Dr. Mahmood is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK) and has contributed to international research and knowledge networks including IFCN and UPSIGN.

Recognized among the Net Zero 50 Leaders, he continues to advance international partnerships that place soil at the centre of regenerative agriculture, natural capital development, and ecosystem restoration.

 

Dr Olivier Zieschank studied Management at the university of Lausanne, where he graduated in 2005. Until 2010, he worked in a Swiss-based start-up that specialized in negotiating cell tower lease agreements, where he became associate director. In 2010, he returned to university and studied applied economics in Neuchatel, Switzerland. He wrote his PhD in Economics at the University of Freiberg, Germany, where he developed a theory of organization. Mr Zieschank was appointed Economist at the ITMF in August 2017 and became director in January 2021.

Ashwin Chandran holds a Bachelors Degree in Textile Technology from UMIST, UK and a Masters degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois, USA.

He is currently the Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) and it’s subsidiary - Cotton Development and Research Association – CITI CDRA. CITI-CDRA works with Indian cotton farmers and collaborates with government bodies and research institutions to improve cotton productivity, promote farmer welfare and expand the knowledge of Indian cotton farmers on the subjects of sustainability, traceability and meeting compliance and certification requirements.

He is the Chairman & Managing Director of Precot Limited, a manufacturer of yarns, threads and cotton based non-woven hygiene products.

He is the Chairman of the Indian Textile Sector Skill Council, a member of the Council of Administration of The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL) and is a past Chairman of the Southern India Mills Association (SIMA).

Mr. Shreyans Gupta is an officer of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), currently serving as First Secretary at the Embassy of India in Washington D.C. In his current role, he oversees critical portfolios within the Income-tax Overseas Unit (ITOU) and the Commerce Wing, facilitating bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Throughout his career, Mr. Gupta has held diverse positions involving both the implementation and policy-making aspects of Indian taxation. His expertise spans complex tax audits, financial and criminal investigations, International Taxation and administration of core IT platforms/infrastructure. He has also served as a delegate of India to various international tax organizations, contributing to high-level discourse on global tax cooperation frameworks

Eric Trachtenberg is the Executive Director of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).

Before coming to ICAC, he oversaw more than $700 million in programs to improve food security, support agricultural transformation, and strengthen land productivity at the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

His earlier background includes service with USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) in the Russian Federation, China, and Taiwan where he resolved agricultural market access issues totaling more than $1.3 billion, designed and led investment facilitation initiatives that generated more than $10 billion in new activity, and oversaw export development programs worth $10 million.

He has a Masters in Agricultural Economics from Michigan State University, a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Southern California, and Bachelors degrees in Government and Economics from Cornell University.

Pia Terasa joined the textile machinery manufacturer Saurer over 25 years ago. She is responsible for marketing and communications at the group level. Coming originally from a non-textile background, market intelligence and business development have played major roles throughout her career. Her current main “hobby” is closely monitoring development of the textile recycling industry and circular economy.

Dr. Md. Fakhre Alam Ibne Tabib is the former Executive Director of the Cotton Development Board of Bangladesh, with over 32 years of experience in cotton production, research, and development. He has demonstrated strong leadership and communication skills in engaging with national and international stakeholders in the cotton sector.

His expertise spans Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Integrated Crop Management (ICM), and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) with a focus on sustainable, regenerative, and organic cotton production. His research interests include high-density planting systems, planting geometry, intercropping, and innovative cropping patterns. Dr. Tabib is also proficient in ICT applications, project planning and monitoring, and scientific report writing.

Dr. Tabib has played a significant leadership role within the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), serving as Vice-Chair (2023–2024) and Chair (2024–2025) of its Standing Committee. The ICAC is an association of governments of cotton-producing, consuming, and trading countries, recognized by the United Nations as the international commodity body for cotton and related products.

In addition, he serves as Vice President of the Ecological Society of Bangladesh and contributes actively to the executive bodies of other social and scientific organizations. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Cotton Cropping Systems in 2013.

Dr. Tabib has participated in numerous international programs, conferences, and study visits related to cotton across countries including the USA, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, India, Egypt, the Philippines, South Korea, and Malaysia. He has published 12 scientific papers and several articles on cotton in reputed national and international journals and magazines. He is also an active member of multiple professional associations and networks worldwide.

Dr. Elsie Sia Kanza is the current Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United States of America and Mexico. Prior to that role, Ambassador Kanza served as Special Advisor to the President of the World Economic Forum, and, before that, Head of Africa and Member of Executive Committee for 10 years championing growth and development in Africa leveraging public private collaboration. In 2015, She was awarded a Doctorate in Business Administration (honoris causa) by the University of Strathclyde for the transformative impact achieved in Africa.

Ambassador Kanza also served in the government for a decade and a half as economic advisor to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, as well as in various capacities with the Ministry of Finance and Central Bank of Tanzania.

In 2008, Ambassador Kanza became an Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellow, and in 2011 a WEF Young Global Leader. She was also nominated as a Richard von Weizsacker Fellow and highlighted as one of Africa’s 50 most powerful women by Forbes in 2020. Additionally, she has served on various boards, including those of the African Leadership Institute - South Africa, Mercy Corps Europe, The Nature Conservancy Africa Council, and the Uongozi Institute.

Ambassador Kanza obtained a Bachelor’s degree from the United States International University – Africa in Business Administration and later graduated with a Master's degree in finance from the University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom and an MA in Development Economics, Center for Development Economics, Williams College, USA.

Alison Ward has over 30 years of international experience in sustainability and corporate affairs. Alison is the CEO of CottonConnect, where she leads a team of over 100 employees, impacting the lives of over 800,000 cotton farmers in India, China, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Bangladesh.  Under Alison’s leadership the organization: drives supply chain transparency connecting sustainable fibres from farm to store; focuses on the rights and skills of women in supply chains through pioneering gender programmes; and continues to develop innovations at a farm level. She leads cotton strategies and programmes for global brands and retailers.

Previously Alison worked with Mondelez International and Kraft Foods and was the Global Head of Corporate Responsibility at Cadbury.

With a mission to drive scalable change, Alison served as a Member of the Sustainable Cotton Steering Committee for Textile Exchange.  She sat on the Sustainability Advisory Committee for the London Olympic Games and has been a Coach and Mentor to commercial teams at WWF and the Ethical Trade Initiative. Alison is also a Life fellow of the RSA- Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce.

Alison has completed the Senior Executive Programme at Ashridge Business School and the Business & Sustainability Programme at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. She holds a BA Hons in English from the University of Birmingham.

 

 

With more than 43 years of experience in textiles and fibre processing, Marinus has extensive commercial knowledge of all facets of the cotton production pipeline from field to fabric, specialising in yarn manufacturing and quality. Amongst others, he is a certified quality expert and is the current chair of ICAC’s Task Force for the Commercial Standardisation of Instrument Testing of Cotton. He is also an executive member of the Australian Cotton Ginners Association and the ITMF International Committee on Cotton Testing Methods. Marinus is also a member of the ITMF Spinners Committee and the Cotton Classing Association of Australia, and is the Australian fibre quality technical expert.
He has authored many articles and technical reports and has been invited to present at numerous domestic and international conferences. He has managed to secure a large and diverse number of projects, service agreements, and commission cotton textile processing work. He has won many awards, including the prestigious Australian Cotton Researcher of the Year Award.

Navdeep Singh Sodhi began his career at India’s largest cotton-textile company and has 35+ years of international experience in mill operations and management consulting. His expertise includes strategic policy, technology and international trade and investment. With experience in over 50 countries, he advises an international clientele and has conducted multiple international studies on the cotton-textile value chain. These include the global benchmarking study to evaluate the competitiveness of India’s textile industry for the Cotton Textile Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL). He contributed to the formulation of the perspective plan for the Indian textile engineering industry (TEI). Mr Sodhi has been supporting the campaign for transformation of cotton in C-4 Countries + Côte d’Ivoire in West Africa and led the flagship study in West Africa commissioned by IFC (World Bank Group) that was recently presented at the World Cotton Day 2023 commemorated under the auspices of UNIDO in Vienna. Mr Sodhi is a partner with Gherzi Textil Organisation, Switzerland, and a Chartered Fellow (C.Text FTI) of the Textile Institute in Manchester, England.

Experienced professional with over 42 years of expertise in textile plant management, business establishment, plant turnaround, managing turnkey projects and overseeing large textile operations across three continents. Successfully initiated new factories in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and North America. Has been business head responsible for P&L of large textile operation in Canada and USA.

Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Textile Technology from PSG College of Technology, India.

Key areas of expertise include:

  • Turnkey project management
  • Turnaround of large textile plants in diverse geographical locations
  • Establishment and management of businesses in various regions
  • Strategic, financial, and marketing planning and execution for textile plants
  • Product development
  • Customer relationship management

Name: Mary Concilia Anchang
Company: Onambele Anchang & Associates
Country: Cameroon
Position: Managing Partner
Website: www.oaalawfirm.com

Executive Chair

The African Chamber of Trade and Commerce ACC

Email: oaalawpartners2@gmail.com, africanchambernetwork@gmail.com

Websites www.africanchamber-abo.org  www.ficota.org

Called to the Cameroon Bar in 1993, Barrister Mary Concilia Anchang epse Onambele, is the managing partner at Onambele Anchang & Associates (OAALAW). She demonstrates consistency and dedication in 32 years of National and international legal work and advocacy. Renown for her legal prowess, her ability to delve into unconventional and controversial topics, has earned her access to several platforms at all levels, in the society. In her persuasive urge to address stubborn societal problems in the continent, she has created several tools to express her opinion and drive policy in a wide range of business sectors. She addresses legal, social and economic problems, with the perspective to contribute in crafting novel schemes, policies and practices to oblige relevance and impact for the welfare and livelihood of communities.

Her law practice, a full-service corporate law firm, serves a broad range of businesses in various industry sectors. Client satisfaction is pivotal at OAALA. Her firm is one of the most sought-after contemporary lawyers in the continent of Africa. Passionate, engaging and focus driven, her peers revere her resolve to address challenging matters in a friendly and dialogue mode. Her brilliance, and keen eye for detail earns great recognition from her clients.

She is the pioneer African IP lawyer, accredited with the African organization of Intellectual & Industrial property (OAPI) with jurisdiction in 17 countries since 1994.

In 1998, curious and concerned about Africa`s significant dependence on foreign intellectual property assets and imports of goods and services into the continent, she founded; “The Foundation for the Promotion of Inventions, Innovations, and Artistic Designs” (FPI) to promote research and development for African discoveries, talents, traditional Knowledge and know-how for validation of discoveries for local use and exports to global markets.

Retained in 1998, to advise the Cameroon Association of Inventors and Innovators, she represented a medicinal cure for hepatitis, known under the trademark ''HEPASOR,” at d the International Exhibition Fair (INPEX) in 1999 in Pittsburgh, where FPI met with Dr. Nakammatz, the renown Japanese inventor of Viagra.

Then followed, the BBC Tomorrow’s World London Exhibition Fair in 1999, where FPI received an award from Mr. John Trevors, the renowned British inventor of the “Touch lamp” for her exhibitions.

From 2001 -2006, she accompanied one of Africa`s most revolutionary, controversial and nonconventional research initiatives in HIV /AIDS for therapeutic vaccines. This discovery, led by one of Africa`s most renown Professors, a Surgeon and international award price winner for research in the treatment of retrovirus for Burkitt’s Cancer, Sickle cell and HIV /AIDS. At a time when HIV/AIDs was ravaging lives in the Continent of Africa, she played a very compelling advocacy role at all fronts, while advising on the patentability, design and trademark ownership of the Vaccine process across the globe.

As Cofounder of the Cameroon National Committee of the International Chamber of Trade & Commerce (ICC Cameroon) in 2021, she stunned the continent, in 2006, with her nomination by the World Business Council, of The International Chamber of Trade & Commerce (ICC) Paris, as the pioneer, African, female country, court member, at the ICC International Court of Arbitration, since its creation in 2023. A mandate she held 4 years..

From 2004 -2014, as a member of the ICC Paris Intellectual property (IP) and the Arbitration commissions, she contributed with experts from governments, Civil society, multinationals, intra governmental organizations, institutions and businesses, through successive annual COP Conferences, to address policy reviews on the global climate change Agenda, that lead to the signing of, the Paris convention in 2015 on climate change.

Coupled with her legal practice, she founded & Chairs “The African Chamber of Trade & Commerce” (ACC), a non-profit and non-governmental, private sector chamber, aimed at using Public, Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a strategic tool to build sustainable and resilient infrastructures. The aim is to avoid duplication and stagnation for gainful entrepreneurial business practices.

Focal on the ACC agenda, is her advocacy for Tripartite Partnerships, that would engage expertise in, North/South, South/South and North/North business ventures. This should invariably contribute towards impactful and traceable development in local African communities. Through this initiative, she pledges to bring her expertise and knowledge into a project, she is deeply passionate about, and believes could shift paradigms in the  continent.. That is; “Institutional Advocacy for 'Africa's Socio-Economic Development."

Convinced of the need to promote IP asset ownership in Africa for improved wealth for entrepreneurial self-reliant opportunities, she believes validating African inventions and innovations, would pave the way for IP ownership and knowledge transfer for capital markets.

She has since 2018 created “The International Forum for cotton, textiles, accessories & Fashion (FICOTA) to address the African Cotton value chain and supply chains, as pivotal for talents to create wealth and job opportunities in Africa.

In prelude to the 4th edition of FICOTA, coming up in November 2026, in Cairo, Egypt, she will be Speaking at the ICAC 83rd plenary conference coming up in Tanzania in November 2025, on the role of National policies for African textiles.

Transforming Cotton into Textile and things in Africa is a vision, FICOTA promotes for optimization and industrialization of African cotton and Textiles. The game changer for. (www.africanchamber-abo.org) FICOTA is created to facilitate sustainability and optimization in the African cotton value and supply chains from “Seed to Fashion” or from “Farm to Market” through value addition. (www.ficota.org ) The focus is on adapting ecosystems for Africa`s industrialization in the textiles industry.

The plurality, multi-culturalism and multidimensionality of ACC, provides a structure with the unique capacity for institutions and stakeholders to create adaptive business models, based on sector needs of partners. The purpose is to facilitate harmonious growth with efficient ecosystems, to implement attainable goals, through value addition, in local value and supply chains.

Accolades and Publications:

2016, OAALAW won the “AI African Award of Excellence.

2018, Recognized amongst 100 of the finest professional Women in a book titled “Women Pioneer In Dispute Resolutions” by Arbitral Women.

2019 Published an article on IP Funding: A Key to Entrepreneurial Development Through IP Asset Ownership in Africa in the London based “Women's IP Magazine

2020/21, Profiled in the Magazine “Rising Women”.

2023, Appointed Member of the International Cotton Advisory Committee/Private Sector Advisory Committee (PSAC)

2023, she was nominated as Executive member of the African Private Sector Summit. (APSS)

2024 she organized the 3rd Edition of the International Forum for Cotton, Textiles, Accessories & Fashion (FICOTA) in the sea site Ocean city, of Kribi, Cameroon.

2025, she published an article on “The Mystery, Power, Purpose and Ownership of Talent & Knowledge” in the London based “Women's IP Magazine”

She was nominated and ranked as the No. 6 in the Policy and Advocacy category for the Top 100 Influential Women Leaders in IP Law.

She is a current member of several association International Trademark Association (INTA), American Bar Association, Arbitral Women, Association of OAPI IP Agents, (AMOAPI), Foundation for the Promotion of Inventors ,Innovators  (FPI), Maman Eucharist du Mont Febe (MEMO) African Private Summit (APPSS), Africa US international Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AfUSA)  ACC and other

She enjoys travelling, music, sports, praying, and supporting charities.

 

Besim Özek

Strategy & Business Development Director

Following his graduation from Tarsus American College and Cukurova University Mechanical Engineering, he has taken a large and vital business role in Logistics and Purchasing Departments for over 20 years.

He is now Strategy and Business Development  Director in BOSSA which is one of the largest Denim Producers is Turkey. He has been very involved in Sustainable Textile Production.

He had been active presenting the company in;

  • Turkish Exporters Assembly, ITHIB (Member of Board)
  • Turkish Cotton Textile Manufacturer ‘s Union (Member of Board)
  • Turkish National Cotton Council (Member of Board)
  • The Union of Chambers and Commodity, Turkish Textile Industry Assembly

Twitter Besim Ozek:      @besimozek

Linkedin Besim Ozek:    besim-ozek

SIDDHARTHA RAJAGOPAL, Executive Director – TEXPROCIL

Dr. Siddhartha Rajagopal is the Executive Director of the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL). He holds a PhD in Management Studies and has nearly four decades of experience in international trade in textiles and clothing.

Over his career, he has worked across the entire textile value chain—from fibre to fashion—and has been part of several Government of India delegations and negotiating groups, including bilateral engagements with the USA, the European Union, and consultations at the WTO.

Dr. Rajagopal has played a key role in developing export promotion schemes, market development strategies, and organizing India’s participation in international textile exhibitions and trade delegations. He is currently involved in the implementation of the “Kasturi Cotton India” project in collaboration with the Cotton Corporation of India and the Ministry of Textiles.

Padmini Singla, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India

Padmini Singla is a career civil servant from India with over two decades of leadership roles in public administration. Currently serving as the Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles, she spearheads the strategic development and policy framework for Natural Fibres, including Cotton.

An alumna of Delhi School of Economics, she holds an Executive Master’s from EPFL, Switzerland.