International Trade Centre, a subsidiary organisation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN), is on course to establish and promote direct linkage between cotton growers (ginners) in Africa and buyers in India.

According to the Programme Manager, (Cotton, Textiles and Clothing) of ITC, Matthias Knappe,  partnership between ginners and spinners needs to happen so as to improve both the trade volume and quality of cotton.

Knappe who is on a ‘Target Asia’ mission to promote African Cotton said at a meeting with few spinners and some members of the Indian Cotton federation: “We are not looking at huge number of spinners, but a few interested ones to kick-start the programme.”

He asserted that though African cotton is not new to the Indian market, ITC is looking at an opportunity to help the African countries accelerate the export of raw fibre.

“We are not looking at the market per se, but a few preferred spinners who are genuinely interested to procure African cotton.”

The ITC Programme Manager added that the center is also planning to organise a visit to West Africa for spinners from Thailand and Bangladesh this December.

He however warned against entering into contract with African ginners without getting to know or meet them personally.