The IAF sponsored the second edition of the Keqiao World Textile Merchandising Conference held on September 27, 2019 in Keqiao, China.
The conference was inaugurated by Han Bekke, President, IAF and Kihak Sung, President, ITMF. Sun Ruizhe, Chairman, CNTAC, presented a strong overview of the Chinese apparel industry at the conference which was also attended by General Matthijis Crietee, Secretary General, IAF.
China’s apparel market is transitioning fast, with the domestic market for customised garments already valued at more than € 20 billion. Sun highlighted the industry’s focus areas including innovations, green developments and collaborations. These were backed up by a strong policy agenda and plenty of funds.
Though the conference was held in a context of slowing global trade the general mood at the event was nevertheless positive. The industry realised that the total demand for clothing, especially in the Asian region, continues to grow.
