TORONTO, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Apparel Textile Sourcing Canada (ATSC) Exhibition opened here Monday, with the attendance of more than 300 exhibitors from over 20 countries.
The exhibition has brought to Canada hundreds of apparel and textile manufacturers from around the world, including China, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the U.S., the U.K., Mexico, Colombia, Peru and more.
Through an impressive platform of seminars and sessions at the exhibition, attendees can make global industry connections, and gain the insights needed to navigate the international sourcing process.
Xia Xiang, commerce councilor of the Chinese Embassy in Canada, told Xinhua at the exhibition "both China and Canada see big progress of bilateral economic and trade ties. It is amazing that more than 200 Chinese apparel and textile manufacturers are attending the show."
He added the show is an unprecedented opportunity for Canadian importers, manufacturers, retailers, designers and small businesses to get a first-hand look at the global fashions, fabrics and textures that consumers will be after in the coming year.
"This show is the opportunity we have been waiting for. This is a 'can't miss' opportunity for buyers who are looking for unique products. I am very excited to be here to see so many beautiful clothings," said David Weine, who is a Canadian apparel importer.
The Canadian demand for apparel has increased annually since 2011 and goods are increasingly coming from abroad.
According to the Government of Canada Apparel Industry Profile, apparel imports are up by 3.4 billion Canadian dollars (about 2.71 billion U.S. dollars ) or 8.3 percent annually, totaling 14 billion Canadian dollars (11.15 billion U.S. dollars) in 2016.
The event is supported in coordination with many Canadian and International partnerships such as the Canadian Apparel Federation (CAF), the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textile and Apparel (CCCT) and U.S.-based Fashion Business Inc.,
Jiang Hui, chairman of CCCT said "The uniqueness of Canadian Market is always attractive to Chinese manufacturers, the successful first edition of ATSC did give us strong confidence to bring more high quality producers in 2017."
ATSC debuted in Toronto in August 2016 with more than 200 booths of merchandise and in excess of 1,800 attendees.
The Canadian event has since announced a 50 percent expansion of the show for its second edition. This year, the event will feature at least 300 displays from representatives of more than 20 countries. According to the ATSC.
