With one month to go until the 2015 edition of Intertextile Pavilion at the Shenzhen International Trade Fair for Apparel Fabrics and Accessories, nearly 700 exhibitors are confirmed to participate.

They will offer buyers a wide selection of high-quality ladieswear, casual wear and suiting fabrics, as well as the latest knits, lace and embroidery, yarns and fibres, and accessories.

Held from 9-11 July at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, the concurrent 15th China (Shenzhen) International Brand Clothing & Accessories Fair, a fashion garment event, will also provide buyers with even more sourcing options.

Exhibitors

In addition to a wide range of Mainland Chinese exhibitors, suppliers from Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the UK will feature. Four pavilions will also assist buyers in their sourcing needs.

These include the Korea Pavilion organised by the Korea Fashion Textile Association (KFTA) and Daegu Gyeongbuk Textile Industry Association (DGIA), as well as the Taiwan Pavilion organised by the Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF), and the Shengze Pavilion from China which features a range of man-made and silk-like fabrics.

This year’s Taiwan Pavilion will feature a wide range of options from raw materials to fabrics, including high-end jacquard fabrics, lace, print and knitted fabrics, computer embroidered items, high-end Tencel cotton and linen, plain weave linen, knits, denim and more. A number of exhibitors will also showcase functional textiles, an area which the Taiwan textile industry prides itself on.

Southern China market

As one of Mainland China’s largest trading partners, Taiwan is in a strong position to offer valuable lessons for overseas suppliers planning to or already conducting business in the country. The organiser of the Taiwan Pavilion, Taiwan Textile Federation’s (TTF) Market Development Department Section Chief Ruby Feng granted an interview to Messe Frankfurt and explained the potential in Southern China.

“With the steady rise of salaries and the gradual disappearance of the labour cost advantage, the region is no longer the main focus for firms with labour intensive activities. On the other hand, as people’s living standards increase, Southern China is now regarded as one of the regions having the highest development potential. What’s more, China’s current 13th Five-Year Plan singles out four free economic trade zones, including Guangdong, so the region is a main priority for the government at present,” said Ruby Feng.

Potential for overseas brands

Ms Feng also outlined the potential for overseas brands in the market. “In Southern China’s clothing market, domestic brands have hitherto held a dominant position. This includes Youngor in men’s clothing, Three Gun in knit underwear, Bosideng in winter coats, Septwolves in jackets, Joeone in pants, and Erdos in cashmere and cardigans. However, international brands, such as H&M and Zara have continually expanded their presence in China, and this growth proves that fast fashion, both domestic and overseas, is popular among Mainland consumers.”

She also explained the advantages she saw of the fair. “Intertextile Pavilion Shenzhen is now at a stage in its development where the main textile manufacturers in South China gather there. With the up, mid and downstream sectors of the industry all present, it is an exhibition with a lot of opportunities and a focus on conducting business onsite,” she said.

“What’s more, with Hong Kong adjacent to Shenzhen, international brands which have buying offices there will attend the fair to find the latest fashion trends and novel fabrics.”

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