TCF POST Report
DHAKA: The Australian Natural Fibres Summit was held in Dhaka on Tuesday, June 23, drawing more than 150 spinners, manufacturers, and brand representatives who gathered to hear directly from Australian cotton and wool industry leaders.
The summit delivered key market updates on what is driving the Australian natural fibers industry, while its centerpiece featured a robust panel discussion focusing on why Australian fiber remains the natural choice for global supply chains.
The Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Susan Ryle, and the Trade and Investment Commissioner for South Asia, Todd Miller, spoke at the event. Both strongly underscored Australia’s long-term commitment to supporting Bangladesh as a vital market for Australian natural fibers.
Jo Hall, CEO of Wool Producers Australia, alongside senior representatives from the Australian Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA), also addressed the audience.
During the session, Abdullah Al Mamun, former Vice President of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), noted that while the quality of Australian cotton is excellent and highly reliable, reducing transportation and logistics costs would further boost its sales volume in Bangladesh. To achieve this, he suggested that establishing a bonded warehouse at the Pangaon Inland Container Terminal near Dhaka would make the supply of raw cotton significantly more streamlined and efficient.
Industry representatives from across the textile and spinning sectors also exchanged views on the future potential of the natural fiber-based manufacturing industry.
Australia’s natural fibers industry is currently on a mission to strengthen relationships with key value chain partners, increase regional awareness of Australian cotton and natural fibers, and showcase the premium quality, sustainability, and innovation that underpin the country’s cotton and wool sectors.
To mark the occasion of the summit, the visiting ACSA delegation also conducted factory tours across Bangladesh. The delegation—which included ACSA’s Eimear McDonagh, Cliff White, Sophie Su, Mudit Sharma, Meg Strahle, and Arthur Spellson, alongside Cotton Australia’s Deputy Chair and cotton grower Gus O’Brien—visited prominent local spinning mills, including Badsha Textiles and Square Fashions.
