Organized by Taiwan Textile Federation and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the three-day event features more than 760 booths operated by 400 exhibitors from Taiwan and such countries as Germany, Japan, South Korea, Sweden and Switzerland. An array of accessories, apparel, fabrics, fibers, filaments, trimmings and textile-related technologies and services is expected to help the show—themed functional, recyclable and fashionable—achieve a record attendance in its 20th year.
During her address at the opening ceremony, President Tsai Ing-wen praised Taiwan’s textile firms for employing an innovative approach to revitalizing what was once seen as a sunset industry.
“The introduction of green and smart products have redefined the value of fabrics,” she said, adding that Taiwan’s cutting-edge technology helped the country showcase its wares on the global sporting stage at events like the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games and 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
According to Tsai, the government strongly supports Taiwan’s textile industry and is working to boost its global competitiveness through a variety of measures. These include assisting in the development of functional textiles, building local brands, establishing tie-ups with international outfits and fostering further cooperation with the country’s information technology companies.
Government efforts also extend to securing greater access for local textile companies to regional markets through negotiating free trade agreements, ensuring Taiwan takes part in regional economic integration initiatives such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership and achieving favorable treatment under the New Southbound Policy, the president added.
The New Southbound Policy seeks to enhance exchanges between Taiwan and countries in South and Southeast Asia, as well as Australia and New Zealand, across such diverse fields as business, culture, education and tourism.
Growing consumer awareness of the need for environmental protection has seen Taiwan’s eco-friendly and high-tech fabrics carve out a large slice of the global smart clothing market. According to estimates cited by TTF, the value of this lucrative segment is set to reach US$2.9 billion by 2020. (SCK-E)
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