LINKINGplus aims to bring together Eastern and Western industry players

This season saw the 24th edition of CHIC, China's largest fashion trade fair, continue to grow and evolve as the event welcomed over 1,300 exhibitors from 20 countries. With the bi-annual event, which ran from March 16 to 18, coinciding with the start of China's 13th "five-year plan," the future of the Chinese apparel industry was the center of debate. "China's apparel industry is in a new era of innovation and transformation," stressed Chen Dapeng, Vice President of China National Garment Association, during a press conference held at CHIC last week. "The new normal sees China's economic rate growing at a slower pace, but also sees China re-adjusting and adapting to survive."

LINKINGplus to support China's new apparel industry built on innovation and transformation

"From the companies at CHIC we see much development in business models, textile and design innovation and brand management as the apparel industry enters a new era of redevelopment," added Dapeng. However, in order for Chinese designers, manufacturers, retailers and fashion companies in the textile and apparel industry to continue growing, they need the support from the global industries. Therefore, China National Garment Association, the Sub-Council of the Textile Industry, the CCPIT and China Fashion Association, sponsors of CHIC have come together to launch a brand new event, known as LINKINGplus.

Set to take place from November 22 to 23, 2016, the event, which will be held in the city of Xiamen, located in Southern China, aims to bring together between 100 and 150 international participants and selected Chinese designers, brands, retailers, manufacturers, and educational institutes to exchange information, knowledge and build lasting partnerships. "During the past year global apparel resources have collaborated with China and we need their cooperation once more, which is why we are hosting an event like LINKINGplus, so we can bring in qualified global resources and bring together the global industry and China."

The debut event will be divided into four parts, including a B2B Space, a Promoshow, a Fashion Forum and a Business tour. Attending participants from the textile and apparel industries, as well as other related industries, will be linked to the Chinese apparel industry through a number of match-making meetings, set to take place over the course of two days. Meetings will be established before hand, based on the feedback from detailed questionnaires to ensure time-efficiency.

"We have been thinking about it for 2 to 3 years already as we wanted to make an event that is both transforming and enhancing," stressed Dapeng. "The event is much more complex than a simple meeting between brands and buyers. China needs training and we are calling all colleges, universities, designers, workshops, high quality manufacturers, technological companies to come to our special meeting of international and Chinese match-making services."