Design sharpens edge for Chinese exports

Cultural impetus

For other Chinese companies, drawing on domestic cultural heritage is another way to differentiate a product.

Zhu Bingren copper art, based in Hangzhou in East China's Zhejiang province, is a business featuring craftsmanship spanning multiple generations and has drawn strong interest from overseas buyers at this year's fair. The business incorporates copper carving techniques, recognized as part of China's national intangible cultural heritage, into products ranging from home ornaments to tea sets, thus transforming centuries-old craftsmanship into contemporary designs for global consumers.

"Foreign customers are showing particular interest in traditional Chinese elements," said Gu Dawei, the company's sales manager. "While staying true to our cultural roots, we also pay close attention to the needs and preferences of different markets so that our products can better appeal to consumers around the world."

More than 700 samples brought to the fair have been snapped up by buyers, according to the company.

Industry insiders said the increased presence of Chinese design in consumer products worldwide is underpinned by the strengths of China's manufacturing ecosystem. Its comprehensive industrial chains allow creative ideas to be turned into tangible products quickly, while efficient supply chains enable manufacturers to respond swiftly to changing market demands.

Michael Schjerbeck Jensen, general manager of F&H Asia, said the Danish group's joint product development with Chinese partners has repeatedly turned ideas into reality. In an uncertain world, Jensen said, China's comprehensive, stable and efficient supply chains offer a particularly valuable source of certainty.

"The growing international reach of Chinese design is increasingly evident," said Luo Weiyu, business director of 3&1 Industrial Design. "Backed by China's complete industrial chains, domestic designers can also update their concepts and bring new products to market quickly, making them more responsive to consumer demand. More buyers from countries including Italy and Japan are now seeking partnerships with Chinese designers."

XINHUA-CHINA DAILY