The Significance of Our Role as Official Bag Sponsor
MASK Associates proudly sponsored bags for the prestigious World Cocoa Conference 2024, reaffirming our commitment to sustainability and innovation in the natural-fibre industry. The conference was held during the last week of April and attended by MASK’s Managing Director, Mustaq Kader.
As the official bag sponsor of the event, our bags adorned with the conference logo and MASK branding were prominently featured, symbolising our dedication to supporting initiatives that promote the sustainability of the cocoa value chain.
This milestone represents a significant step forward for MASK Associates as we embrace the wider ecosystem of jute and jute products by forging ties with our B2B clientele. In an increasingly environmentally-conscious world, such synergistic alliances between industries will be crucial for the advancement of all in the decades to come.
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About the World Cocoa Conference
The World Cocoa Conference (WCC) serves as the premier platform for stakeholders across the global cocoa and chocolate sector to convene and collaborate on issues related to sustainability, economic development, and environmental stewardship.
Attracting participants from various sectors, including governments, cocoa farmers, manufacturers, brands, retailers, and international organizations, the conference fosters dialogue and identifies solutions to the challenges facing the cocoa industry.
Objective of the Event
The primary objective of the WCC is to address the economic, social, and environmental challenges within the cocoa sector. By facilitating discussions and exchanging views, stakeholders aim to assess the effectiveness of current initiatives and develop strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry.
Key Topics Addressed
Throughout the conference, delegates had the opportunity to engage in constructive discussions on a wide range of topics, including farmers’ income and livelihoods, gender equality, human rights, deforestation, new cocoa products, market trends, and governance structures. These discussions aimed to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and advance sustainability initiatives within the cocoa value chain.
A global delegation of representatives from the 52 member countries of the International Cocoa Organisation ensured a diverse array of perspectives from both the producer and consumer sides. As a provider of value-added products to the sector, MASK Associates was uniquely placed in the position of being able to network on both sides.
MASK’s Participation
MASK Managing Director, Mustaq Kader, represented the company on the final day of the event. Kader participated as a panelist in the session titled “Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.” The panel discussion focused on addressing the challenges posed by new food safety measures and minimizing the risks of trade diversion for stakeholders lacking the capacity to adapt promptly to these changes.
Alongside esteemed panelists from leading organizations such as Cargill, Gloster Jute, and AGROCALIDAD, Kader contributed valuable insights and perspectives on behalf of MASK Associates while also speaking at length about sustainability and quality management measures in the MASK supply chain.
Conclusion
MASK Associates remains committed to supporting initiatives that drive positive change and promote sustainability within the cocoa industry. Our participation at the WCC 2024 reflects our dedication to collaboration, innovation, and environmental stewardship.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of the cocoa value chain, we remain steadfast in our mission to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all stakeholders involved.
Background Information:
The World Cocoa Conference operates within the framework of the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), an inter-governmental organization established to promote sustainability and improve the living conditions of cocoa farmers worldwide. With 52 member countries representing a significant portion of global cocoa exports and imports, the ICCO serves as a vital platform for dialogue, cooperation, and technical assistance within the cocoa industry.
MASK Associates is a leading exporter of top-tier jute and jute-based products from Bangladesh. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and technology guarantees superior jute sourced from premier fibres globally.