The 32nd East China Import and Export Fair kicked off in Shanghai on March 1, attracting over 3,000 export companies eager to capitalize on new opportunities in foreign trade. With expectations of more than 40,000 domestic and overseas buyers attending the four-day conference, the event is set to be a bustling hub of commerce and collaboration.
Chinese foreign trade companies are pulling out all the stops at this year’s exhibition, with many striving to shift from “product export” to “brand overseas” strategies. Shanghai Silk Group Co., Ltd. showcased its women’s clothing brand LILY, unveiling the 2024 summer collection slated for distribution in over 70 stores across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and other key markets. The company’s international business director, Chen Huan, emphasized the importance of strengthening the brand’s presence in the international market, inviting customers from various regions to experience the brand firsthand at the fair.
Innovations in textile machinery and thermal insulation technology were also on display, as companies like Jiangsu Changzhou Wuyang Textile Machinery Co., Ltd. and Shandong Zhongdi Import and Export Co., Ltd. showcased cutting-edge products aimed at revolutionizing the industry. For Australian buyer Shane Crawford, attending the China Fair marked a significant opportunity to connect with Chinese suppliers face-to-face, enabling more effective communication and collaboration.
Zhang Xian, vice president of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles, highlighted the sector’s strong international competitiveness and the need for continuous adaptation to global industrial chain adjustments. Emphasizing the importance of green development, research, and brand building, Xian stressed the industry’s commitment to enhancing export quality and efficiency while navigating evolving market dynamics.
The China Fair, organized by the commercial departments of nine provinces and cities, has been a premier event in the foreign trade industry since 1991. With a rich legacy of fostering business partnerships and driving economic growth, the fair continues to serve as a vital platform for industry players to explore new opportunities and drive innovation on a global scale.