Following a period of reduced in-person interaction, the textiles industry has been yearning to reconnect in China. Welcoming nearly 3000 exhibitors, next week’s Spring Edition of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics will feature a wide spectrum of fabrics and accessories at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).

Overseas exhibitors have been eager to physically meet and collaborate with domestic buyers, and after China eased its travel restrictions, they now have the opportunity to do so. With the fair taking place from 28-30 March 2023, a series of seminars, forums and panel discussions will be held concurrently to further promote industry development.

The industry is back on track, and eager for a successful three days of business exchange

Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, is looking forward to next week’s fair, commenting: “We expect the market for textiles and apparel in China to continue benefitting from a post-pandemic retail recovery. Intertextile Apparel’s industry reputation extends internationally, and it has made our fair the ideal place for overseas suppliers to meet with Chinese buyers. As such, we are pleased with the strong showing of exhibitors, and expect the visitor numbers to be healthy as well. The industry is back on track, and eager for a successful three days of business exchange.”

Exhibitor response has been high and geographically diverse. The fair’s International Hall (5.1) will house exhibitors from 22 countries and regions, including Argentina, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, Taiwan, Türkiye, and the UK.

International suppliers with related products and services will be grouped together to increase sourcing efficiency, in zones including All About Sustainability, Functional Lab, Premium Wool Zone and Verve for Design. Besides being zoned by product, the International Hall’s exhibitors will be combined in different country and region pavilions representing Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

Converging on Shanghai from across China, the fair’s strong domestic contingent will be categorised by product end-use in halls 5.1, 6.1, 6.2, 7.1, 7.2 and 8.1.

Running in parallel with the three-day trade fair, the fringe programme is set to provide fairgoers with over 35 seminars, forums and panel discussions to supplement their visits, during which key industry players will cover a variety of topics. Events are categorised into four key themes shaping the future of apparel: Design and Trends, Sustainability Issues, Technology and Solutions, and Market Information and Business Strategies.

To enable wider international participation, and to enhance the onsite sourcing experience, online networking services will be made accessible to all registered buyers. Connect PLUS, the fair’s online business matching platform, will allow users to search for exhibitors and arrange onsite meetings during show days, with over 200 expected to take place, as well as virtual meetings after the show. Primed to interact both at the fairground and online, exhibitors and buyers will get more opportunities to establish business connections and generate trade.

For many international buyers, the benefits to sourcing in person at the comprehensive textile fair make Shanghai a regular destination. However, for participants unable to attend, Intertextile Apparel’s digital service platform Intertextile Hub will increase the fair’s online presence. Exhibitor interviews and fringe events, including forum sessions and product presentations, will be livestreamed.

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2023 is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Centre. It will take place alongside the Spring Edition of Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles, Yarn Expo Spring, CHIC and PH Value from 28 – 30 March at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).

www.intertextileapparel.com