ICA President, Mohit Shah, explains; “Dubai is a dynamic hub for global commerce, with unmatched infrastructure that provides seamless connectivity for businesses worldwide. Hosting the ICA’s most important event in Dubai will make the event easily accessible to all, as well as attracting a large participation from the Indian subcontinent, which today has a very significant share of global production, consumption, export and import trade of raw cotton.

The theme of the event, ‘Shaping the future’, reflects the ICA’s vital role and the many new initiatives the association is embarking on for the future. These include the creation of individual working groups in various countries, attracting new members, increased training and reaching out to the entire chain through increased engagement and communication.

“As President of the ICA, I am looking forward to this very important event in the cotton world. It will provide a great opportunity for all those involved in the entire cotton trade chain to discuss more important issues and network at a global level. It will also allow the ICA to promote its achievements, future goals and most importantly, the message of contract sanctity and safe trading.”

In 2012, the ICA met industry demand by hosting its annual trade event in Hong Kong, the first time it had ever been held outside the UK. The event attracted over 1,000 delegates and reinforced the ICA’s decision to host its traditional annual event in Dubai this year.

Dubai 2014 has already attracted lots of interest, with ten cotton companies signed up as sponsors and an influx of registrations from ICA members, who were treated to priority booking and a discounted ticket price.

Mohit adds: “We are currently working on the event programme, but can confirm that emphasis will be on a shared vision for the future of the cotton community, where each part of the supply chain plays a role. There will be a selection of topical presentations and plenty of opportunities for delegates to network in the fabulous surroundings of the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre. We want Dubai 2014 to be accessible to all and we hope that you will join us.”