The WTO and FIFA agreed
to collaborate by exchanging views on their respective activities and by
preparing and implementing common strategies and projects in areas of shared
interest. Regarding the WTO's cotton programme, the WTO and FIFA will
explore opportunities to enhance the participation of the “Cotton Four”
(C4) countries (Burkina Faso, Benin, Chad and Mali) and other LDC cotton
producers in global football apparel value chains.
The two organizations
will also work together in the development of publications, including a joint
study on the economic impact of football and its role in unlocking global
economic growth potential, and will explore options for the development of
capacity-building activities that support the use of football as a tool for
women's empowerment, particularly in LDCs.
WTO Director-General
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said: “I'm really excited at the prospect of collaborating
with FIFA to try to leverage the cotton sector in a positive way for poor
developing countries such as the Cotton 4. I'm really excited that
collaboration with FIFA could help us pull these countries more into the global
cotton value chain. I'm also thrilled at the prospect of working on gender
empowerment. We have a big sports economy, and to the extent that we can pull
this through trade to support women, this is a positive signal.”
FIFA President Gianni
Infantino said: “FIFA redistributes its revenue among our 211 member
associations to help them develop football in their countries by notably
investing in infrastructure, facilities, competitions, refereeing and coaching.
Yet, we believe that there is still more that football can do, especially for
the youth in the developing world. This important partnership can help us find
ways of ensuring that football can further promote sustainable development for
everyone to benefit from the global football economy.”
On behalf of the C4
countries, as well as Côte d'Ivoire and all the African countries and LDCs that
produce and export cotton, Ambassador Ahmad Makaila of the Republic of Chad
welcomed this “excellent initiative” undertaken in the framework of the
collaboration between FIFA and the WTO.
“For the C4, signature
of the Agreement between the WTO and FIFA strengthens a common vision, an
inclusive and lasting partnership and a choice to favour cooperation and
negotiation at the WTO in the search for the most appropriate solutions to the
cotton issue,” he stated. “This robust cooperation is more than ever
indispensable to ensure that our countries bounce back from the many crises we
are currently facing, undertake better reconstruction and help achieve the
Sustainable Development Goals.”
Under the MoU, which
will remain in force until 31 December 2027, the WTO and FIFA will
exchange information and expertise on the economic dimension of football,
through participation in conferences, regular meetings and contribution to
studies. Once a year, a joint review will be undertaken to assess the
collaboration and identify specific activities or projects to be implemented
the following year. These activities and projects will be reflected in a
Collaboration Plan.
Following the signing of the
MoU, DG Okonjo-Iweala and Mr Infantino had a conversation on sustainable and inclusive trade
as part of the WTO Public Forum (27-30 September) which this year
takes place under the theme “Towards a sustainable and inclusive recovery:
ambition to action”.
Source: WTO
