Growing with the nation's booming garment industry

Over its 15 years of development, the China International Clothing and Accessories Fair (CHIC), a grand garment industry show held annually in Beijing, has grown into the largest of its kind in Asia.

Those in the industry consider it one of the best forums for market development, brand promotion, trade and international exchanges for both Chinese and overseas clothing companies.

The garment sector has grown into one of China's pillar industries, with domestic sales reaching 750 billion yuan last year and at the same time export value hitting $95.2 billion. The industry now provides jobs for 10 million workers.

Growing with the trade, CHIC has continued to expand its scale and international reputation. Total exhibition floor space for the fair grew from 11,000 sq m in 1993 to 120,000 sq m in 2007 as the number of participating enterprises grew from 400 to 1,000.

Brands such as Valentine and Pierre Cardin participated in the first fair in 1993, opening the eyes of domestic garment companies 15 years ago to the possibilities in international design - and profits. More internationally renowned brands followed in the years to come, illustrating that the event, as well as the Chinese garment industry and market, is increasingly important to global players.

Milestone events

1993 - The first session of CHIC opened, with Valentino, Gianfranco Ferre and Pierre Cardin being present. CCTV and CNN broadcasted the evening show "Era Wind" held in the Temple of Heaven.

1995 - First "Model Star" was launched. First China Top 10 Fashion Designers Contest was held.

1996 - World famous designers Christian Dior, Ninna Ricci and Jean-Louis Scherrer presented their collections at CHIC. World Garment Brand Forum was held.

1998 - the event was held for the first time in the China International Exhibition Center when it expanded its exhibition area to 24,000 sq m.

2004 - Separated sections for men's wear and women's wear were set up. The exhibition area came to 100,000 sq m, with the number of exhibitors increasing to 960.

2007 - CHIC2007 attracted more than 1,000 enterprises from 17 countries and regions and 120,000 visitors from 30 countries and regions.

(China Daily 03/24/2008 page7)