Pakistan will host the 75th plenary meeting of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) in 2016. The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) is an association of governments having an interest in the production, export, import, and consumption of cotton. It is an organisation designed to promote cooperation in cotton affairs, particularly those of international scope and significance. It affords its members a continuous understanding of the world cotton situation and provides a forum for international consultation and discussion. The committee has consultative status with the UN and its specialised agencies and cooperates closely with other international organisations in matters of common interest.
It also provides opportunities for industry and government leaders from producing, consuming and trading countries to consult on matters of mutual concern. Its secretariat is located in Washington DC.
Pakistan is a longstanding member of the ICAC and participates actively in its deliberations. With a production of 2.08 million tons of cotton in the recent season, Pakistan is the fourth largest producer of cotton in the world. With the mill use of cotton to the tune of 2.27 million tons, it is the third largest mill user of cotton in the world. Pakistan is, furthermore, a leader in scientific research on cotton.
Pakistan had earlier hosted the ICAC plenary meeting in Lahore in 1951.
