This week, Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay and Chair Nigel Burnett met with Indian agricultural counsellors Kirin Karamil and Dr. Richard Niall. These counsellors are assisting the Australian cotton industry with Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, aiming to secure a larger tariff-free quota for Australian growers.

The counsellors were part of the team that worked with Grains Australia to negotiate the removal of the Indian chickpea tariff, which was announced earlier this month.

The FTA aims to secure access to the Indian textile industry, enabling Australian brands to manufacture in India using Australian cotton and further diversifying export markets. India sees the development of a larger textile industry as a means to provide employment opportunities and lift people out of poverty.

We also hope to welcome an official delegation from India to our Cotton Conference to showcase our world-class industry to them.