The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka marked the celebration of Cotton Day 2024, an event organized by Cotton Council International (CCI), a cooperator association of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Tuesday.
The ninth annual Cotton Day Bangladesh, held at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB), gathered key stakeholders from the cotton and garment industries to discuss and promote sustainable practices in garment supply chains, particularly through the use of U.S. cotton.
During the inaugural session, U.S. Charge d’Affaires a.i. Megan Bouldin emphasized the quality and sustainability of U.S. cotton, stating, “American cotton farmers utilize advanced agricultural practices and cutting-edge technology to produce some of the finest cotton in the world. This dedication to excellence ensures that U.S. cotton meets the highest standards of quality and sustainability, making it a preferred choice for textile manufacturers globally.”
A major focus of the event was the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, which provides brands and retailers with verified sourcing data and guarantees sustainably grown cotton. The program, now with over 200 supply chain members from Bangladesh and more than 30 international brands and retailers, continues to make strides in promoting sustainable sourcing practices. Additionally, CCI introduced the Mill Performance Index, an industry-first tool for benchmarking spinning mills.
Showkat Aziz Russell, President of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), highlighted the significance of quality inputs for Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sector, underscoring the importance of the robust trade relationship between the U.S. and Bangladesh. In 2023, U.S. cotton exports to Bangladesh were valued at $337 million.
The event brought together representatives from cotton spinning mills, garment manufacturers, global brands, and trade representatives, facilitating discussions and knowledge sharing on sustainable practices within the garment industry. Cotton Day Bangladesh 2024 offered valuable insights into the future of sustainable garment supply chains and the essential role of U.S. cotton in supporting this future.
The gathering served as an enriching platform for stakeholders, emphasizing the crucial role of sustainability, innovation, and compliance in the global textile industry.
