This report was produced in an attempt to synthesize the common features of the most successful and competitive models in the cotton sector worldwide so they could be presented for consideration to the Governments of cotton growing countries which are concerned with their competitive position in the global cotton market. The report discusses the most successful arrangements which stood the test of time as well as covers the most recent developments which show a lot of promise. This is the first in the series of reports designed for the attention of the Governments and academia of the Central Asian Republics.