East China Fair opens with focus on innovation, global trade

The 33rd East China Fair kicks off in Shanghai with a bustling atmosphere, March 1, 2025. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The 33rd East China Fair, a major regional trade event, kicked off on March 1 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, showcasing the latest innovations and trends in the textile, clothing, and light industry sectors.

The four-day event, organized by the commerce departments of nine provinces and municipalities, including Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, has drawn over 3,250 exhibitors, including 364 from 13 countries and regions, across 5,100 booths spanning 115,000 square meters.

This year’s fair emphasizes innovation and the integration of digital technologies in international trade. A significant number of the participating companies are national high-tech enterprises, innovation-driven “little giant” firms, and niche industry leaders.

Exhibitors are showcasing a range of innovative products, including smart home appliances, eco-friendly materials, and specialized apparel, demonstrating the growing trend of cross-industry integration and technological advancements in China’s export sector.

Innovation takes center stage

The event highlights the importance of innovation with the conferring of the fair’s Product Innovation Award to 44 companies, recognizing their achievements in areas such as intelligent home appliances and sustainable materials.

“We were very surprised and honored to receive the Product Innovation Award,” said Takehisa Okamura, CEO of Kinousozai Co Ltd, a Japanese company showcasing a special bread of preservation bags made from a thin yet durable film that enhances thermal conductivity and minimizes frost formation. “Our goal is to introduce this innovative product to the Chinese market and promote a healthy lifestyle.”

Okamura said the product, available in Japan for three years, is primarily targeted at bakeries. He sees the fair as an opportunity to expand into the Chinese market, targeting both B-end (business) bakeries and C-end retail customers.