For the first time, the Italian trade fair organiser Proposte will host a pavilion – titled 'Proposte China Pavilion @ Intertextile' – featuring premium Italian and European decorative and furniture fabrics exhibitors. MYB Textiles from the UK is one these exhibitors. They are the only producer in the world manufacturing patterned lace with original Nottingham Lace looms, and will be launching their new wool sheers products at Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles.

Wendy Murray from MYB Textiles notes that they have been receiving more interest from both small and large companies in China for their products. "We feel it is the perfect time to exhibit in China and have face-to-face time with prospective customers. We have exhibited at Proposte in Italy for the past 15 years and it is known to attract a prestigious clientele. We hope it will have the same attraction in China."

Viganò SpA from Italy is another company participating in the Proposte pavilion. Established in 1930, they will be showcasing their high-end velvet range at the fair. Explaining their reasons for participating in Shanghai, Piercarlo Viganò says there is increased demand for high-end Western products in China. "We decided to approach the Chinese market because we feel consumers there are very interested in Italian design and style. We chose this fair to better understand the market in order to establish the most efficient approach there, and to combine local needs and wishes with the existing high standards of our products."

Apart from local exhibitors and the Proposte pavilion, country / region pavilions from Belgium, India, Italy, Korea, Pakistan, Taiwan and Turkey will also be featured. What’s more, individual exhibitors from countries around the world will also be looking to take advantage of the booming demand in the local economy.

One such exhibitor is Hield Brothers from the UK, who were first invited to China by the government in 1985 and have been exhibiting at Intertextile Apparel Fabrics, the sister show of this fair, for over 10 years. "We have noticed a significant increase in demand for Western products from Chinese consumers which we hope to meet with our high-quality woollen products," explains Hield’s Sales Manager, Laila Chamsi-Pasha. "It seemed a natural step to begin showcasing our furnishing collection at this fair too," she said, explaining their rationale for extending their participation to Intertextile Home Textiles.