The number of international exhibitors attending Intertextile Beijing Apparel Fabrics increased 6% for the 2011 edition.

Approximately 1,200 apparel fabric and textile product suppliers from 16 countries and regions will be exhibiting across the 50,000 sq m space at the China International Exhibition Centre in Beijing. The event will host an expanded selection of products from functional and printed fabrics, to fibres and yarns, accessories, textile-related CAD/CAM/CIM technology and trade publications.

Much of the growth at the show has come from international exhibitors, and a highlight of this year??s fair, SalonEurope (Hall 3), formerly known as the European Hall, will feature 94 suppliers of high-quality fabrics and accessories from Germany, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, Turkey and the UK. First-time exhibitors such as Somelos Tecidos SA from Portugal and Swiss manufacturer Stotz & Co AG will showcase elegant shirting fabrics.

Pavilions will be hosted by Germany and Italy (Hall 3), where visitors will find accessories, cotton blends, wovens and silks, as well as superfine wool, mohair and cashmere fabrics.

This year the Japan zone (Hall 4) has increased in size by 35%, accommodating first-time exhibitors Toko Shoji Co Ltd and Iwabuchi Co Ltd, suppliers of quality knitted fabrics. The expanded Korean pavilion (Hall 2) will feature functional sportswear, whilst the Pakistan pavilion (Hall 4) will focus on cotton fabric. The Taiwan pavilion (Hall 4) will showcase the latest functional, embroidered and eco-friendly fabrics.

Alongside these regional areas, 900 Chinese suppliers will offer competitively priced products (Halls 1, 5-9) for ladieswear, casualwear, functional wear and sportswear, including shirtings and denim, as well as accessories. The number of domestic and international suppliers exhibiting in the 102 sq m accessories area (Hall 9 and part of 7) has also increased, by 11%.

Making its debut, the Responsible Sourcing and Cost Control Management forum will feature industry professionals sharing their experiences and perspectives. In total, 23 seminars will be held on a variety of topics from design, sourcing, technology, testing, business strategies and legal issues.

A fair favourite, the Intertextile  Directions  trend forum (Hall 2) will incorporate references on colour, and directions on fabrics, prints and garments, providing insights for spring/summer 2012 (see page 3). Sourcing inspiration will also be presented by Fabrics China, which will focus on fabric, colour and texture trends for menswear (Hall 1A1) and ladieswear (Hall 8A).

In addition, retailers including Burberry, Mango, Newtimes, Polo Ralph Lauren and TAL are all confirmed to participate in the exclusive Business Matching Programme.

Intertextile Beijing Apparel Fabrics is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd., the Sub-Council of Textile Industry (CCPIT), and China Textile Information Centre (CTIC).

''Intertextile Beijing Apparel Fabrics has yet to reach its fullest potential,''said Wendy Wen, director of trade fairs for Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. ''Each season, our show grows in scope.

From expanding our product sectors to finding new suppliers, we are committed to help drive the textile market sector in China forward.''She added: ''China's consumer purchasing power is getting stronger and stronger. It is now the world's third largest apparel consuming market. The region's massive market potential together with Messe Frankfurt's network of textile expertise truly make the Intertextile brand one of the best business solutions for all kinds of fabric businesses wishing to expand in China.''