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Italian Group to attend CHIC & Intertextile 2009

By Han Tianyang (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-03-19 18:32

The Italian Trade Commission (ICE) will organize a pavilion of more than 30 companies and 40 brands at the upcoming China International Clothing & Accessories Fair (CHIC 2009).

The ICE will also showcase 50 fabric companies at the China International Trade Fair for Apparel Fabrics and Accessories (Intertextile 2009) at the end of March, according to an ICE press conference held on Wednesday.

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As the largest overseas exhibitor, both pavilions will be on the same grand scale as last year despite the economic downturn, which shows the importance of the Chinese market to Italy, said Antonino Laspina, ICE trade commissioner and coordinator.

"China's import of garments from Italy is not big now but is increasingly fast," said Laspina. According to ICE statistics, imports of garments increased to $334 million in 2008 from $201 million in 2007, up 65 percent year-on-year.

ICE statistics also show that China imported $175 million worth of wool fabric last year, with an increasing rate of 20 percent. Imports of Italian cotton fabrics rose by 8 percent, while silk sector imports grew by 68 percent.

"The economic crisis hit western high-end consumers much harder than China's high-end consumers." Laspina said. "Even though consumers are buying less, they still have quality requirements, and Italian products can meet their needs."

CHIC 2009 will open on March 26 and run until March 29 at the China International Exhibition Center. The Italian delegation will exhibit woven, knitted, leather and fur garments, as well as accessories for men, women and children, in a pavillion covering an area of over 1,000 sq m.

Intertextile 2009 will also be held at the China International Exhibition Center following CHIC 2009, from March 29 to 31. The Italian pavilion will cover an area of 720 sq m, displaying wardrobe fabrics for men, women and children.

Attendance at both fairs would be beneficial to anyone interested in fine Italian goods or shopping. "These are very good opportunities to promote Italian brands and products to Chinese consumers," said Laspina.