In her welcoming speech, deputy economic counsellor Jo Lan Lin of the International Trade Administration (TITA) of the MOEA, emphasised 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.

The seminar centred on sustainable and environmental issues by focusing on exploring innovative approaches to the use of cotton and synthetic fibres. 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, the Taiwan Textile Federation said in a press release.

Keynote speaker 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.

The panel discussion focused on the application of cotton-integrated and synthetic fibre 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 Justin Huang along with Peter Wakefield of the ICAC Private Sector Advisory Council, CEO Wei Chun Fang of Baby Baby Cool Co, Ltd, executive vice president Jeimy Lee of Hermin Textile Co, Ltd, and chairman Mohammed Kamal Uddin of the Trade Fair Standing Committee of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association.

By organising the ‘Celebrating World Cotton Day in Taiwan’ during the Taipei Innovative Textile Application Show (TITAS 2023) from October 17–19, 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 optimisation.

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.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)