HONG KONG, April 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Global Sources (GSOL) opened its fashion and garment China Sourcing Fairs today with 1,200 booths -- an increase of nine percent from last year. The Fairs provide a convenient opportunity for global buyers to source a range of fashion-related products all under one roof at the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong. Running through April 30, the four co-located events are:

China Sourcing Fair: Fashion Accessories

China Sourcing Fair: Garments & Textiles

China Sourcing Fair: Underwear & Swimwear

India Sourcing Fair: Garments & Accessories

"Global Sources' China Sourcing Fairs have become 'must-attend' fashion sourcing events for global fashion buyers," said Tommy Wong, President of Global Sources Exhibitions. "The fashion and accessories industry is on a steady growth path, with statistics indicating that global retail sales for apparel and accessories are expected to reach US$1,369 billion in 2017.

"Specializing in fashion-related products, our Fairs provide a unique one-stop sourcing event during Asia's peak fashion sourcing season. This gives international buyers and quality Greater China suppliers in the industry an ideal platform to meet and to trade more effectively."

Two specialized product galleries are featured at the events to help fashion buyers keep up with the latest color and style trends. Show Highlights focuses on the hottest products from exhibitors, as well as knitwear creations from students of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University's Institute of Textiles and Clothing.

Organized in cooperation with leading color authority, Pantone, the Color Trends Area features color forecasts for various fashion-related products, providing buyers with insights into the up and coming color trends.

Key industry buyers set to attend the Fairs

Buyers pre-registered to attend the Fairs include BCBG MAXAZRIA, Morgan, Diesel, Esprit, Folli Follie, GAP, Polo Ralph Lauren, Prada, Sisley, Swarovski, Tesco, Tommy Hilfiger, Max Mara, Speedo and Victoria's Secret.

Private Sourcing Events at the shows offer exclusive opportunities for pre-selected exhibitors to meet global buyers in private. Thirteen sourcing teams from companies including Eurogroup, Groupe Zannier, Hermes-OTTO International, INTERSPORT, Liverpool, Oxylane, Quiksilver and Restaurant Services are scheduled to participate in the events with a combined annual sales of over US$49 billion.

Conference program offers firsthand market intelligence to buyers and suppliers

A series of conference program is also scheduled to take place at the Fairs, helping international fashion buyers to source from Asia more effectively. Attendees can gain firsthand market intelligence and valuable sourcing advice from industry experts speaking on a variety of topics, including:

"Visionary Intelligence" seminars featuring color trends for summer 2013 by Pantone -- the world's leading color authority. Plus, spring and summer 2013 fashion accessories style trends by Style-Vision Asia

"An Introduction on Taiwan Textile Industry and Its Innovation Strength" seminar hosted by Taiwan Textile Federation

"How to Source from China" seminar series covering various trade-related topics and providing practical insights on hot sourcing topics, tips for buying from China, negotiations and pitfalls