Intertextile Shanghai 2013 International Ready Wear Fabrics and Accessories Fair held by Messe Frankfurt at “New International Expo Center” in Shanghai, China, from 21 to 24 October brought manufacturers together with suppliers. As the Textile World Magazine Group, we followed the fair on-site and 16 Turkish firms presented thier products to the taste of clients.
The fair hosted 3.751 participants from 35 countries and regions. The number of participants increased almost by 12 % in comparison to the last year's edition. Besides, Belarus, Bulgaria, Lebanon, Macau, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan participated in the fair for the first time. The highest number of participants came from the host country, China, once again. After China, countries participating in the fair with pavilions included Italy, Germany, Portugal and Turkey. Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland and England were represented by individuals. Another increase was seen in the number of visitors. More than 69 thousand buyers from 98 countries met with the participants.
“An Important Fair for New Market Opportunities”
Making assessments about Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics 2013 Fair, the biggest fabric and accessories fair held in China, Chairman of Uludağ Textile Exporters` Association (UTIB) Ibrahim Burkay said that: “Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics 2013 Fair is a highly international fair appealing to a great mass from America to Europe, from Australia to all Asian countries and from Middle East to Africa. Thus, our presence in the fair with national pavilion was of great importance for opening to new markets and increasing the existing business connections.” Shanghai Commercial Counsellor of the Republic of Turkey, Kadir Yazıhan, and Shanhai Consul General of the Republic of Turkey, Deniz Eke, visited the Turkish firms and received information about their products. Leading fabric and accessories suppliers of Europe in addition to SalonEurope and Milano Unica pavilions which were popular in the previous years met with local buyers as well as international brands. At Salon Europe where a total of 260 participants took part, Milano Unica was the host with 132 upper level Italian fabric and accessories firms.
In the fair, the themes of sustainability and innovation came to the fore. The seminars, fashion parades and presentations held in relation to these themes were also on increase this year in comparison to last year. Planet Textile Conference where sustainability and recycling in the textile sector were discussed was held concurrently with the fair. The speakers of the conference included Ecotextile News, Marks&Spencer, VF Corporation, Esprit, Sustainable Garment Coalition and other leading enterprises of the industry. In the segment of “Everything about Sustainability”, fabric, product and technology manufacturers presented sustainable production tools.
The quality of Chinese products is Increasing
Local demand for western brands has increased with the increasing purchasing power of Chinese consumers. Besides, it is striking that Chinese manufacturers increased the variety and quality of their products. In particular, foreign buyers noticed numerous improvements in the standards of local participants. Participants stated that the quality of Chinese products increased step by step and the product variety expanded considerably in this fair. It was also seen that the demand for functional fabrics in the sportswear, men`s wear and women`s wear increased in the local market. Functional fabrics and products which reflect the current textile industry became prominent in the fair.
Beijing Fair Moves to Shanghai
It was reported that 2014 Spring edition would be held in Shanghai. In the explanation where it was stated that Shanghai is accepted as center for China, it was declared that this decision was taken by considering the closeness of Shanghai to surrounding cities as well as the ease of transport for foreign visitors. Intertextile Shanghai Fair`s Spring Edition will be held in Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center on 3-5 March 2014. As to the Fall Edition, it will be held in Shanghai New International Expo Center on 20-23 October 2014.
