Taiwan Holds the 2023 ICAC Taipei International Seminar and Celebrates World Cotton Day
Highlights: The sustainability and innovations of the global textile value chains
The eighth edition of the ICAC Taipei International Seminar, hosted by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) on October 18, 2023, drew nearly a hundred participants from ICAC member countries, including the United States, Bangladesh, and India. In her welcoming speech, Deputy Economic Counselor Ms. Jo Lan Lin of the International Trade Administration (TITA) of the MOEA, emphasized that despite the global economic uncertainties and supply chain disruptions caused by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Taiwan’s textile industry remains a primary source of functional textiles worldwide. Moreover, Taiwanese companies are committed to developing innovative products and aligning with consumer market trends.
This seminar centered on sustainable and environmental issues by focusing on exploring innovative approaches to the use of cotton and synthetic fibers. The goal was to facilitate the sustainable development of the cotton industry and assist businesses in adopting circular economic models, while seeking more business opportunities, enhancing industry competitiveness, and fostering opportunities for strategic alliances.
Sustainability leads to future business opportunities
Keynote speaker Mr. Mark Sussman, executive committee member of ICAC's Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), delivered a speech on the "Outlook of the Global Textile Supply Chain." He noted that sustainable development in the textile industry can be achieved through ESG models that focus on traceability, inclusivity, and integration from the manufacturing end to the consumer. Addressing sustainable and environmental concerns is not the single responsibility of any sector, but requires collaborative efforts involving governments, businesses, and consumers.
Innovative development in the textile industry
The panel discussion focused on the application of cotton-integrated and synthetic fiber materials, as well as the outstanding upstream to downstream achievements in product innovation of the textile industry. The discussion was moderated by Taiwan Textile Federation’s President Mr. Justin Huang along with Mr. Peter Wakefield of the ICAC Private Sector Advisory Council, CEO Ms. Wei Chun Fang of Baby Baby Cool Co., Ltd., Executive Vice President Ms. Jeimy Lee of Hermin Textile Co., Ltd., and Chairman Mr. Mohammed Kamal Uddin of the Trade Fair Standing Committee of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association.
Taiwan’s support for ICAC activities and World Cotton Day
By organizing the "Celebrating World Cotton Day in Taiwan" during the Taipei Innovative Textile Application Show (TITAS 2023) from October 17 to 19, Taiwan actively supported the efforts made by the ICAC to include “World Cotton Day” as an official UN day. The TITAS 2023 also showcased the achievements of sustainable and innovative cotton solutions, innovative cotton research, product design, and successful examples of value optimization.
Taiwan will continue to participate in ICAC activities to foster closer cooperation with ICAC members and create more win-win outcomes in the global cotton and textile sectors.