A delegation of COTTON USA representing the cotton industry and National Cotton Council of USA visited Bangladesh to meet and interact with Bangladesh textile and apparel industry. The delegation members were Mr. Keith Lucas- president of Cotton Council International (CCI) and leader of the delegation, Mr. Marc Lewkowitz- CEO and president of Supima, and Mr. Bruce Atherley- Executive Director of Cotton Council International.
The delegation met with Bangladesh industry leaders at a seminar on “US & Global Cotton Outlook” where the delegates made presentation on world cotton supply, US cotton growth, 
responsible cotton growth, contamination, bale and packaging; that would help cotton consumers, mills and importers to better understand cotton while they make raw cotton sourcing decisions.
The delegation introduced and celebrated Cotton Day by holding a fashion show with 100% US cotton and cotton made garments, a unique event and where Bangladesh’s rich cotton heritage was highlighted.
In the US, cotton seeds are planted in the month of May, and Cotton Day is celebrated in that month. Cotton Day is celebrated globally.
CCI president Keith Lucas, while addressing the seminar and fashion show said, “Recent events in Bangladesh have heightened security concerns, but Bruce Atherley, Marc Lewkowitz and I have chosen to come to shareBangladesh’s sorrow and grief on the tragedy earlier this month thatstruck Bangladesh and saddened the world.”
The seminar, fashion show followed by dinner was well attended by the textile and apparel industry owners and executives, COTTON USA Licensee mills, Cotton LEADS partner mills, Supima licensees.
COTTON USA recognizes the important role Bangladeshi textile and apparel industry has been playing for the growth of Bangladesh, and COTTON USA hosted a dinner honoring the success and achievements of Bangladeshi industry. Mr. Tapan Chowdhury, the President of Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), and Mr. M. Siddiqur Rahman, the President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGMEA), were the Guests of Honor at the dinner.
