Mike Rowse, Director-General of InvestHK (left) and J. Berrye Worsham of Cotton Inc celebrate the Hong Kong office opening with a  traditional lion dance
	Senior Director Katsuro Ishida gives a speech at the welcome dinner

Cotton has been the cornerstone of the textile industry for centuries and  Cotton Incorporated makes it its business to ensure it stays that way. The research and marketing firm representing US cotton, to promote the use and demand for cotton, has set up its regional office in Hong Kong, the "hub of textile manufacturing."
 
"The Hong Kong office will allow us a central location among key mills and manufacturers in this very important region," said President and Chief Executive Officer J. Berrye Worsham.

The company provides the necessary support to help companies manufacture, market and sell cotton products more efficiently and profitably.  Last year, the company worked closely with leading Chinese spinning mills to use the Engineered Fiber Selection System, a US management system, which ensures that the cotton production process is done more efficiently with consistent quality. Cotton Incorporated has been doing business in the Chinese mainland for more than 20 years and recently marked the tenth anniversary of its permanent office in Shanghai.
 
The mainland and Hong Kong offices, however, serve different purposes. "Hong Kong is the gateway to the world's factories of cotton products," said Katsuro Ishida, Senior Director, Global Product Supply Chain and head of the Hong Kong regional office. "We maintain a strong presence in China to take care of the production but our Hong Kong regional office has been set up to influence the product pipeline."

Ranges of services

The Hong Kong office offers technical services for mills and manufacturers in the region, provides research  on cotton supply and demand, fibre quality and consumer trends, as well as product trend analysis of sourcing and supplying. It is staffed with six experienced industry professionals from the US, Japan and Hong Kong, all of whom have extensive background in product development, manufacturing and sourcing.

Another function is to provide services and information to sourcing companies and brands based in Hong Kong, linking their knowledge directly with buyers based in the region. The Hong Kong office also hosts US industry experts, who pay regular visits to service clients' specific needs, such as in trend forecasting, sourcing, textile innovations, market research and consumer information.

Mr Ishida said that Hong Kong was the preferred choice to set up its regional office because of its proximity to the world's largest cotton consumer - the mainland. Yet Hong Kong  is also within a few hours' reach of other key markets, such as Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan, which together, make up the second largest cotton market.

Need to be here

Mr Ishida explained that unlike in the past, retailers and consumers now decide what material is used in the latest product trend and it is his office's mission to ensure cotton is the preferred choice of fabric. "Sourcing companies and retailers have a big say on the decisions made. That's why we need to be here, " he said.

"Cotton is still the most popular fabric among consumers," Mr. Ishida added. "It is our job to ensure we retain the leading position, and with Hong Kong as our hub, this will help us achieve that target."

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Cotton Incorporated