The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) was established in 1939. The secretariat is located in Washington, D.C. The ICAC is the only international intergovernmental organization focused on the development of the cotton industry. Taiwan became a full member in 1963.

There are six to eight meetings of the Standing Committee each year in Washington, D.C., which officials from the Economic Section of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States attend. In addition, the ICAC holds an annual plenary meeting.

ICAC’s 82nd Plenary Meeting

The 82nd Plenary Meeting of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from Sept. 29 to Oct. 3, 2024. The theme was "Global Partnerships to Promote Innovation in Cotton and Textile Value Chains." Member and non-member government representatives, international organizations, NGOs, academics, and industry representatives were invited to attend.

Twelve seminars were held on a range of topics, including global cotton promotion, women's empowerment, cotton genetics and breeding, environmental policies, the future of natural fiber consumption, etc.

2024 World Cotton Day

In response to the ICAC's promotion of World Cotton Day on Oct. 7 as designated by the United Nations and to actively participate in related international activities, Taiwan coordinates with the ICAC in organizing World Cotton Day events annually. During 2024, eastern Taiwan was hit by a series of earthquakes and typhoons, affecting the lives of local residents. The region was therefore specifically chosen to hold that year's World Cotton Day events in collaboration with organic cotton brands. Local school children were invited to participate in making cotton bags by hand. This activity publicized World Cotton Day, while simultaneously promoting the applications, innovations, and sustainable development of Taiwan's cotton textile industry and allowing disadvantaged children in rural areas to experience the pleasure of making their own new bags, thereby deepening the significance of World Cotton Day.

ICAC International Seminar

The 8th ICAC International Seminar was held in Taipei on Oct. 18, 2023, with representatives from ICAC member countries such as the United States, Bangladesh, and India being invited to take part. Nearly a hundred domestic and foreign industry participants also attended the event.

The main focus of the seminar was to explore sustainable and environmental issues from a broad and diverse perspective. During the event, ICAC Executive Director Eric Trachtenberg praised Taiwan's strong textile industry and research and development capabilities.