ICA Strengthens Engagement in Vietnam

As part of its ongoing outreach initiative, we recently visited Vietnam to engage with the local cotton and textile industry and strengthen our collaboration with the Vietnam Cotton & Spinning Association (VCOSA).

The visit included the delivery of a three-day Advanced Cotton Trading Practices - Quality, Contracts & Risk Control training programme in Ho Chi Minh City from 4-6 August 2026.

Organised jointly by the ICA and VCOSA, the programme brought together 31 professionals from 25 organisations across the cotton and textile value chain, including trading, spinning, manufacturing, inspection, sourcing and processing.

The training focused on practical aspects of international cotton trading, including cotton quality, contracts, trading practices and risk management. Participants also took part in interactive case studies, discussions and Q&A sessions, with the programme delivered in both English and Vietnamese.

Feedback from participants was strongly positive, with 95.7% rating presenter clarity as Good or Excellent and 95.7% rating the programme as Good or Excellent in terms of their likelihood to recommend it to colleagues. Participants particularly valued the practical examples, case studies and insights into contracts, quality and risk management.

One of the training presenters, Robert Jiang (ICA Business Operations & Development Manager) said:"Vietnam is an important and increasingly connected part of the international cotton and textile value chain. Our collaboration with VCOSA provides an excellent opportunity to bring ICA's international expertise and trading standards closer to industry professionals in Vietnam, while also learning more about the needs of the local market. We look forward to building on this successful programme and continuing to support knowledge sharing and professional development in the region."

The programme provided a strong foundation for continued cooperation between the ICA and VCOSA, with both organisations looking to develop further opportunities for technical learning, practical knowledge exchange and industry engagement in Vietnam.

The programme was supported by Cargill as Silver Sponsor and Insight Textile, Beni, CAM NEGOCE, C&D Light Industry, and Tran Le Service & Trading Co., Ltd. as Supporting Partners.

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"The ICA Training program in Vietnam this year brought a fresh and practical approach compared with previous years. The workshop covered a wide range of topics, including trade safety, ICA bylaws and rules, options, futures, and risk management, giving participants a better understanding of trading practices, market pricing, and how to manage potential risks in a highly volatile economic environment. What I found particularly valuable was the practical experience shared by the speakers. Beyond the technical knowledge, they provided honest insights and real-life perspectives from their experience, which helped participants better understand the challenges and opportunities in the market. Overall, I believe this year's ICA Training course was a valuable platform for businesses to strengthen their knowledge of trade and risk management, while also gaining practical perspectives that can be applied to their daily business decisions."
Nguyen Thuy Vi, from VCOSA, organiser of the workshop

"This training was exactly what I needed. It helps my current job a lot. Why it was good:

• ICA sessions were very clear to understand.
• Super useful for advising customers on ICA Bylaws & Rules
• Helps me handle daily quality claims better
• Clear tips to explain contracts and bids."

Nguyen Thi Hoan, delegate from AB Consulting Company Ltd

"The ICA Training program 2026 in Vietnam this year brought a fresh and practical approach, covering topics such as trade safety, options, futures, and risk management. These sessions helped participants better understand trading practices, market pricing, and risk management in today's volatile market. I also really appreciated the diversity of participants, including spinners, agents, and inspectors from Thailand, India, Vietnam, and other markets. The speakers shared practical experience and honest perspectives, while the participants actively engaged in discussions and shared their own experiences, making the workshop more interactive and valuable. Overall, it was a great opportunity to learn, exchange experiences, and gain practical insights from across the industry.
Tom Phan, ICA director