Growing overseas demand

In the first four months of this year, China's export volume of cotton textiles and garments hit $19.7 billion, up 44 percent year on year, according to China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles.

The growth rate is also 11 percentage points higher than that of total textiles and garments exports over the same period.

"Despite the impact of the Xinjiang cotton boycott, the demand for Chinese cotton products in the international market is very strong," said Zhang Xi'an, deputy director of the chamber.

In late April, the CCA launched an initiative to promote the sustainable development of China's cotton, after signing deals with leading domestic cotton producers, some of them in Xinjiang.

The initiative aims to establish China's sustainable cotton standard and certification system, promote domestic cotton consumption and expand its global market share.

"China's cotton has contributed a lot to the global cotton industry and we deserve fair treatment and due respect," said CCA director Gao Fang.