China's textile giants eye opportunities in E Europe

China textile manufacturers and exporters are eyeing growing business opportunities in Eastern Europe, attending one of the largest textile expos in the area.

Textillegprom was held in Moscow from Feb 22 to 24, attracting 20,000-odd professionals from over 20 countries. Made-in-China.com and 30-plus Chinese suppliers attended the expo to promote quality Chinese goods.

Growing demand for textiles is boosting the market considerably. In 2021, global textile garments saw a 36 percent rise in inquiries and comfortable and sustainable clothes are taking a bigger share of cross-border sales as public attitudes to beauty change, according to Made-in-China.com, a comprehensive service platform for foreign trade.

As a major importer of Chinese textiles and apparel, Russia is important for China to diversify its exports and "go global". Total value of textiles imported from China amounted to $4.92 billion in the past year, according to the Russian Federal Customs Service.

On-site exhibitors and over 200 vendors showed more than 200 thousand pieces at the cloud expo on Made-in-China.com, increasing their exposure and improving communication with buyers.

"I can not only touch the samples but converse with vendors and see their plants and workshops vividly online. It is highly efficient for buyers", said Elvira with Ivanovo Textile Mill, a textile industry hub in Russia.

Tim Tong, sales manager of supplier Suzhou Shuobei Textile Co Ltd, said he exhibited specimens on the spot while collecting buyer information through livestreaming and online sourcing.

"Though we will still prioritize the real expo as the pandemic ends, the online one will remain as a promotion that cannot be missed", Tong said.

To support manufacturers, Made-in-China.com launched a targeted assistance plan for promising industries in late 2021. The textile industry could witness a global expansion thanks to the special fund and multiple marketing channels.

In the first half of 2022, the platform plans to attend around 30 foreign expos and a dozen in-house ones to help Chinese suppliers tap business opportunities globally.

Kaifusai Julaiti contributed to this story