We were delighted to be recently represented by our Managing Director, Bill Kingdon and ICA Business Operations & Development Manager, Robert Jiang at the 2026 China Cotton Industry Development Summit in Chongqing (28-29 May). The summit provided an important opportunity to discuss the value of trust, collaboration and secure trade in an increasingly interconnected global cotton market.

Speaking after his presentation at the summit, Bill said; “It was a pleasure to speak at the 2026 China Cotton Industry Development Summit in Chongqing, and discuss the importance of trust, collaboration and secure trade in the global cotton industry. At the International Cotton Association Ltd, we are committed to providing the framework, services and support that help businesses trade with confidence. As our industry becomes increasingly interconnected, strong partnerships and shared standards are more important than ever. Many thanks to the China Cotton Association for the invitation, and the opportunity to engage with industry leaders from around the world. I look forward to continuing these important conversations and strengthening collaboration across the global cotton trade.”

Eimear McDonagh (ICA First Vice-President) and the team met with Wang Jianhong, President of the China Cotton Association (CCA) during the summit to discuss and agree a range of areas key to the industry, based on the Memorandum of Understanding renewed in Dubai in 2025. These included further collaboration between the two associations, training, sustainability projects, Women in Cotton and safe trading.

The delegation met Ms Zhang Hongxia, GM of Weiqiao Pioneering Group in Shandong Province, one of the world’s largest textile corporations, covering the strong recognition of ICA’s role in promoting fair global cotton trade, agreement that standardisation and internationalisation are essential for industry development, and further participation by Weiqiao in ICA activities.

The team also conducted further key meetings with the Deputy Mayor of Qingdao, Directors of the Bureau of Commerce and Internal Security, on a range of topics on future cooperation, training, joint events etc.

Photos (top to bottom):

• ICA Managing Director, Bill Kingdon presenting at the 2026 China Cotton Industry Development Summit in Chongqing
• Women in Cotton China representatives at the ICA liaison office in Qingdao, China
• ICA visiting Weiqiao Pioneering Group in China