The Australian Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA) has become a member of the International Cotton Association (ICA).
As part of its strategy to promote safe trading, the ICA introduced an ‘Affiliated Association’ membership category back in 2011, specifically aimed at likeminded cotton associations to help reinforce and support contract sanctity across all areas of the cotton supply chain.
ACSA is the latest association to sign up for ICA membership, joining Supima, the Bangladesh Cotton Association (BCA) and the Brazilian Association of Cotton Producers (ABRAPA), who all joined in 2012.
Founded in 1989, ACSA aims to promote and enhance the export of Australian raw cotton and to preserve the sanctity of contracts and the integrity of the Australian cotton trading industry. “The Australian Cotton Shippers Association is delighted to formalise its relationship with the ICA,” said ACSA Chairman, Phill Ryan. “Most ACSA members already hold individual ICA membership and we look forward to being more closely aligned with the ICA and its values.”
There is no joining or annual subscription fee to become an ICA Affiliated Association. The ICA also passes on a 50 per cent discount on its membership fees to producers and mills that are registered with each new Affiliated Association.
"ICA's ultimate goal is to provide a safer trading environment,” says ICA President, Ahmed Elbosaty. “One way we can do this is through our membership, making sure it encompasses the entire value chain.
"That is why we are delighted to have ACSA on board - ACSA supports our values and will expel any of its members that appear on the ICA default list. If the cotton community sticks together and stands firm on defaulters then we may be able to reduce the stress being placed on the cotton supply chain and improve its economic sustainability.”
