East China Fair opens with focus on innovation, global trade

The fair is designed to facilitate effective supply and demand matching. The opening day included specialized matchmaking sessions for European and American buyers as well as for the apparel and textile industry, attracting a large number of buyers, with more than half coming from countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative and Southeast Asia.

"The fair is crucial for building a closer connection between the industries of China and ASEAN," said Zhang He, business manager of Shandong Silver Phoenix Co Ltd, a key producer of aviation porcelain. "Our company has been participating in the fair for over 10 years. We sell our products mainly to the high-end European and American markets, especially to the US, which accounts for about 50 percent of our exports."

Zhang highlighted the stringent quality requirements and weight limitations associated with aviation porcelain, requiring manufacturers to produce lightweight, durable pieces. Shandong Silver Phoenix has successfully established itself as a key player in the industry, supplying major airlines such as Emirates Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Asiana Airlines.

Digitalization and sustainable practices are key focuses

The fair is not only focused on showcasing new products but also on exploring the latest trends in digitalization and sustainability. The opening day included a high-level forum themed "AI Empowers: New Path for Cross-border E-commerce Innovation", which explored the intersection of AI technology and cross-border e-commerce.

"We are constantly trying to expand our reach in foreign trade by developing new products and finding new customers," said Chen Mingchao, a salesperson at Hangzhou Kesheng Textiles, a textile company specializing in bedding, home pillows, and heated wear. "We have been participating in the ECF for over a decade. We are currently focusing on developing products with a younger design aesthetic, using materials and colors that are popular in Japan and Korea."

The fair demonstrated a commitment to green trade, with exhibitors showcasing environmentally friendly products and practices, such as biodegradable materials and eco-friendly production processes.

The fair itself is also embracing sustainable practices, such as optimizing exhibition layouts and promoting energy-saving technologies.

Luo Bin contributed to this story.