Politique cotonnière en Syrie : adaptation partielle et progressive à la mondialisation

Abstract

Syria is a rather important cotton producing country but its cotton policy is seldom appraised and remains little known outside the country. This policy is quite particular given a strong and stable commitment from the State and powerful administrative control of cotton production, even after some shift to a more liberalized economy. The pricing system has remained unchanged for more than forty years to guaranty producers an attractive income. Syria provides a rare example of a cotton policy based on a controlled offer, integrating more recently the concern of sustainable water use. With regard to the policy objectives, the Syrian cotton policy is proving effective at increasing cotton production while developing a textile industry the raw material requirements of which are fully covered. The investment in research and technical assistance to producers has enabled Syria to be a rare cotton country achieving substantial reduction of insecticide use. It is not possible to assess the extent of policy effectiveness and efficiency because of difficult access to the needed data. However, concern for a sustainable use of water appears quite insufficient. The Syrian desire to join the WTO implies the challenge of drastic change of its cotton policy while maintaining an effective role of the State.