The 5th Chaoshan Apparel Expo Opens, Shantou Aims to Become a Global Textile and Apparel Value Chain Hub

2026-03-24 09:51:23

Today (18th), the 5th Chaoshan International Textile and Garment Expo opened at the Shantou International Convention and Exhibition Center. Diplomats from various countries, representatives of national textile and garment industry associations, domestic and international buyers, and entrepreneurs gathered to witness a new starting point for Shantou's textile and garment industry as it advances toward becoming a world-class cluster.

As the largest, most professional, and internationally influential original equipment manufacturer (OEM) exhibition for intimate apparel in China, the Chaoshan Garment Expo has, after five years of dedicated development, become a core platform connecting global industry resources and driving innovation and upgrading in the sector. At the opening ceremony, Weng Chuangjie, President of the Shantou Textile and Garment Industry Association, introduced that this year’s expo, themed "Five Continents in One Tide," spans 150,000 square meters, featuring 18 exhibition halls and 21 industrial clusters. A total of 1,239 companies showcased 200,000 new products, with professional buyers from over 40 countries and regions participating in negotiations, setting a new record in scale and grandeur.

Currently, Shantou is leveraging its "New Four Major Projects" to build a world-class textile and garment industrial cluster, warmly inviting global textile peers to establish a presence in Shantou, deepen cooperation, and share the benefits of industrial development.

In his speech, Xia Lingmin, Secretary-General of the China National Textile and Apparel Council, emphasized that the textile and garment industry is a vital pillar of China's national economy. As a century-old commercial hub and a special economic zone, Shantou has formed an intimate apparel industrial cluster with an output value exceeding 100 billion yuan and full-chain support, providing a dynamic "Shantou model" for nationwide industrial transformation and upgrading. He offered four suggestions for Shantou's industrial development: prioritizing technology to forge new productive forces, embracing fashion to enhance brand influence, committing to sustainability with a green foundation, and fostering openness to connect with global opportunities—helping Shantou transition from a "complete industrial chain" to an "efficient innovation chain."

Using the expo as a bridge and trade as a driver, the key buyer signing ceremony held during the opening became a highlight of the event. Over 50 domestic and international buyers signed letters of intent worth 19.82 billion yuan with Shantou’s industrial cluster companies, covering upstream and downstream materials, finished products, e-commerce platforms, and more, injecting strong momentum into the national textile and garment industry.

To the amazement of attendees, the opening show "Five Elements · Rising with the Tide" introduced a robot runway segment for the first time. AI bionic robots donned outfits crafted from intangible cultural heritage paper-cutting and 3D printing, sharing the stage with human models to perfectly blend technology and fashion. Additionally, Chaozhou embroidery, Yingge dance, and other Chaoshan intangible cultural heritage techniques intertwined with modern apparel design, showcasing the diverse charm of Shantou's textile and garment industry—where "technology, fashion, and culture" converge.

"Tech empowerment" emerged as the core theme of this year's expo. For the first time, an AI and industry innovation services exhibition zone was established, featuring the "AI Navigation · Digital Intelligence Transformation" conference on industrial quality development. The expo also launched the "AI Alliance Empowering Textile and Garment Industrial Belt Initiative" to deepen the integration of AI design, intelligent manufacturing, and industry. Meanwhile, the event adopted a dual-track model combining online and offline engagement, setting up a dedicated livestreaming pavilion for 24/3 non-sTop broadcasts. A livestreaming matrix formed by hundreds of top influencers, with a combined fan base exceeding 500 million, is expected to drive total online and offline transactions to surpass 2 billion yuan.

It is reported that during the exhibition, more than 50 Fashion Shows, over 80 brand launches, 10 themed forums, and 3 product selection matchmaking events will be held. Activities such as the "Red Junk Award" ceremony, China Home Fashion Culture Week, and the Young Entrepreneurs Forum will also take place, providing a high-quality platform for industry peers at home and abroad to exchange ideas, collaborate, and pursue shared development.

From the "Four Major Projects" to the "New Four Major Projects," and from a regional manufacturing base to a global value chain hub, the transformation and upgrading of Shantou's textile and garment industry serve as a vivid microcosm of China's traditional industries transitioning toward high-quality development. The opening of the 5th Chaoshan Apparel Expo is not only Shantou's invitation for global collaboration but also a significant reflection of China's textile and garment industry embracing the world with an open attitude.

Quote from: Macao Commercial Post

Link: https://www.macaobusinessnews.com/?p=89880