The delegation was welcomed by CAI President Mr P.D. Patodia, along with Vice-President, Addl.Vice-President, some of the Directors and Members.

In his welcome address, Mr. P.D. Patodia briefly touched upon the cotton scenario in India and the developmental initiatives undertaken by the Government through private public partnership, improvement in quality seeds, evolution of Bt. technology, etc. Mr. Patodia stated that contamination level in Indian cotton has reduced considerably over the years and CAI would like to work as a team with ITMF when such survey is conducted in India in order to ensure correct position is reflected in the findings of the Survey.

Mr.Patodia briefly highlighted the developmental activities of the Association and stated that the association's primary focus is on development of cultivation, production and consumption of cotton including research for improvement in yield and quality. He thanked the ITMF delegates and other distinguished guests for their presence.

Mr. B.K. Patodia, Member, ITMF Spinners Committee (India), introduced the visiting delegates to the audience. He said that each one of them is expertise in their field and they have immensely contributed to the development of cotton and textile industry. He also gave the programme schedule of the delegation.

Mr. R.K. Dalmia, Chairman, CITI, in his address highlighted the demand and supply position of textile industry and stated that in order sustain we need to blend modern technology with international market requirement so as to export our textile products in the foreign markets. He noted that textile is based on 60% cotton and 35% polyester fibre.

Mr. Andrew Macdonald, Chairman, ITMF Spinners' Committee, in his speech stated that he was overwhelmed with the hospitality of the CAI team and it was great pleasure to be associated with India. He stated that India is dominant in the world trade and this can be seen in the developmental work initiated by the government and other private agencies. In this difficult situation, India is going to survive, he said. Referring to the Bt. cotton revolution, he stated that ITMF and CAI need to work together in a sort of collaborative learning and share the information to overcome any shortcomings in the development of cotton sector.

At the interactive session, Mr. Fritz Grobien, Special Invitee from Germany, Mr. Warner Bieri, Member, Spinners Committee from USA and Dr. Christian Schindler, Director General, ITMF from Switzerland answered the questions from the gallery.

While proposing a vote of thanks, Mr. S.A. Kotak appreciated the ITMF team for visiting India and their efforts in development of cotton sector. The meeting then was followed by Dinner and cocktail party.