Dhaka, Bangladesh,
23-24 April, 2007
 Summary of the meeting (27K PDF)
Documents of the meeting
The Bangladesh Cotton and Textile Convention 2006 was held at the Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, Bangladesh on April 23 and 24, 2007. Cotton Bangladesh and the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) in cooperation with the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers Association (BKMEA), Bangladesh Cotton Association (BCA) and Globecot organized the convention jointly. The objective of the program was to provide a dynamic forum that would bring fresh ideas and thoughts on how the Bangladesh textile industry can cope with increasing competition in the world textile market. Over 250 participants, including sixty delegates from 19 countries, participated in the conference. Ms. Geeteara Safiya Choudhury, Adviser (Minister), Ministry of Textile and Jute, Bangladesh, was the chief guest at the Convention.
Major Results from the Convention
The world textile industry may be moving into a period of slower growth. In order to expand business, Asian textile industries need access to high quality cotton, including longer cotton with better color, and lower contamination. Cotton industries need to provide improved inspection procedures, better delivery and transparent business interactions.
India, the USA and Uzbekistan are likely to remain reliable cotton suppliers to Asian markets. Transportation costs from India and Uzbekistan are being reduced through investments in infrastructure, and the U.S. cotton industry will remain competitive through an emphasis on quality.
Low costs and vertical integration are contributing to the success of China (Mainland) and India in gaining export shares in textile and clothing markets.
Competent entrepreneurs willing to take risks for growth, and the presence of a large, motivated and highly trainable work force, give Bangladesh a competitive advantage in the world textile and clothing industries. Entrepreneurs in Bangladesh ignored the advice given by international experts more than a decade ago to avoid investments in textiles, and as a result Bangladesh is now a highly successful textile and apparel exporting nation with mutually supportive upstream and downstream sectors.
Bangladeshi entrepreneurs can better position themselves to face the challenges of competition in a world economy by participating in international forums and joining international associations. In particular, Bangladesh textile businesses will benefit through membership in the International Cotton Association (ICA). The Government of Bangladesh can provide support to the textile industry by joining the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC). The world cotton industry is highly competitive and long term economic viability requires constant adjustment to changing conditions. International organizations, including the ICA headquartered in Liverpool, UK and the ICAC headquartered in Washington, DC work with member companies and member governments to raise awareness of critical issues, provide information necessary to decision making, and facilitate cooperation among countries and the private sector on matters of shared concern.
More information can be found at www.cottonbangladesh.com/bctc2006.
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