Recently, experts, industry leaders, and international business representatives from eight countries and regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Portugal, Austria, Australia, Singapore, and Japan, gathered in Keqiao, Shaoxing, China, to attend the 2024 International Textile Innovation Conference. Focusing on four core topics “Innovation Environment, Materials, Artificial Intelligence, and Production Processes,” the guests discussed leading trends in industry innovation, aiming to promote the transformation and optimization of the global textile supply chain.

Yan Yan, Vice President of the China National Textile and Apparel Council, emphasized that the global textile industry should be driven by innovation, integrate with contemporary trends, build a more open, eco-friendly, and dynamic value chain, accelerate the establishment of future industry pattern, and merge with emerging technologies to create multidimensional innovation spaces.

“In recent years, Keqiao has been actively building a modern ‘international textile city’, prioritizing ‘innovation and talent development’ as its main strategy, steadily enhancing its scientific and technological innovation capabilities.” Zhang Song, Deputy District Mayor of the People’s Government of Keqiao District, Shaoxing, stated that Keqiao is actively developing a high-level strategic innovation platform for the textile industry, cultivating a team of innovators in this field, and advancing in-depth integration of production, academia, research, and application within the textile sector.

In the “Innovative Environment” segment, Nicole van der Elst Desai (founder of VDE Consulting), André Wissenberg (Vice President and Head of Marketing, Corporate Communications, and Public Affairs at Oerlikon), and Matthias Gluth (Managing Director of the Austrian Fibre Research Institute) discussed topics such as the textile industry’s challenges, regulations, and sustainable supply chains. They advocated for re-forming industry and working methods, advancing digital construction, clarifying responsibility accountability, and balancing sustainable development with economic growth.

Thamires Pontes (founder and CEO of Phycolabs), Mingzhong Hu (Sales Manager of CELYS China), and Callie Clayton (Vice President of Global Apparel at Spiber) shared innovative fibre materials derived from seaweed, protein, and other raw materials. These high-yield and biodegradable products are expected to support sustainable transformation in the textile industry and offer innovative choices for the global textile market.

On the topic of “Artificial Intelligence,” Yannis Paniaras (Principal Design Lead, Microsoft Digital Studio), Charles Allard Jr (Founder and CEO of Delvify), and Orlando Ribas Fernandes (Founder and CEO of Fashable) analysed key aspects of applying AI to textiles and digital products, how AI collaborates efficiently with designers, and the value of AI in streamlining the supply chain and improving business efficiency.

Focusing on “Production Processes,” Yue Chen (Chief Manager (China), Datatex), Spasenija Božanić (ERP Project Manager, Toscana Systems), and Daniela Rondinone (Textile Specialist, DR Consultancy) presented company-specific process optimization solutions, including integrated ERP systems for textile design, automated printing industry processes, and production and application paths for leather alternatives. These solutions aim to help companies increase production efficiency and achieve stable and long-term growth in the industry.

Mark Jarvis, Managing Director of WTiN, concluded that technology, products, and production and operation models can bring more benefits to enterprises during the innovation process. The industry should actively explore effective ways to expand textile production capacity and clarify specific strategies to achieve production goals, bringing more diversified options for consumers.

Company Name: China Textile Information Center

Contact Person: HE Xiaoying

Email:hexiaoying@ctic.org.cn

State: Beijing

Country: China

Website: www.ctic.org.cn

Recently, representatives from textile industry organizations, associations, famous brands and enterprises from more than 60 countries and regions around the world gathered in Keqiao, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, to participate in the Seventh World Textile Merchandising Conference 2024. Focusing on the theme of “Future Fashion Advanced by New Quality Productive Forces”, the participants jointly discussed the sci-tech innovation and open cooperation of the global textile industry.

Sun Ruizhe, President of the China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC), noted that the industry’s technological innovation ability is steadily improving. Its positive spillover effects become increasingly evident. China has created favourable conditions for developing economies to undertake industrial transfers and enhance local industry upgrades by providing high-quality, affordable textile products, and advanced equipment. The data for 2023 shows that China’s textile machinery exports reached 202 countries and regions worldwide. The process of accomplishing this achievement not only spurs China’s economic growth but also extends development opportunities globally.

Shi Huifang, the Secretary of Shaoxing Municipal Party Committee, shared his views on future pathways for the textile industry, emphasizing that Shaoxing remains committed to balanced innovation, cluster-based development, intelligent production, and international expansion. He noted that the city has made significant progress on provincial pilot projects to upgrade traditional industries, completed cross-regional integration of the dyeing industry, and established the Zhejiang Modern Textile Technology Innovation Centre with high standards and a smart industry platform for textile and dyeing with ambitious goals. It has been fostering industry innovation to strengthen its position as a thriving textile hub, featuring a comprehensive industry chain, substantial production capacity, and a well-established textile market.



The continuous advancement of the textile industry requires a dual approach of innovation-driven and resource-integrated development to achieve mutual benefits and win-win outcomes.

Chen Hao, Secretary of the Keqiao District Party Committee, stated that the goal is to build a high-end and world-leading industry cluster. Shaoxing is clustering the industry chains and scaling up the cluster size to establish a world-class modern textile industry cluster. Meanwhile, Shaoxing has formed a complete textile industry chain, covering all necessary aspects from upstream polyester spinning, midstream dyeing and manufacturing, downstream apparel and home textiles, creative design, trade services, and testing and certification.

During the conference, Christopher Pissarides, Regius Professor of Economics of London School of Economics and Political Science and recipient of the 2010 Nobel Prize in Economics, commented on global economic trade, highlighting globalization as the process through which companies select optimal production locations to reduce costs and use trade to deliver goods and services to markets. He added that trade and supply chains complement each other, with improvements in logistics driving trade growth and promoting global economic integration.

According to the 2025 Trend Outlook for Global Textile Industry released at the event, “Future Industry,” “Green Development,” and “Innovation Pathways” are key industry trends. The report indicates that the sector is achieving technological breakthroughs in advanced materials, manufacturing, and products, blending cultural elements to enhance brand competitiveness, and driving green development through eco-friendly materials, technology, and manufacturing models.

The event also highlighted strategic cooperation agreements, including the establishment of the Zhejiang Workstation for the Patent Examination Cooperation (Tianjin) Center of the Patent Office, CNlPA (2024-2027), a collaboration project between CNMI and Keqiao, a WGSN Keqiao Trend Centre project, and the launch of the International Textile Association China Collaboration Centre.

Company Name: China Textile Information Center

Contact Person: HE Xiaoying

Email:hexiaoying@ctic.org.cn

State: Beijing

Country: China

Website: www.ctic.org.cn

Leo Messenger, a secure communication app with payment functionality inside, will be among the participants at the London Fintech Networking Meetup on December 3, 2024. This event brings together a select group of C-level executives and professionals from the fintech industry, fostering a unique platform for strategic partnerships.

The second edition of the London Fintech Networking Meetup is a testament to the sector’s commitment to innovation and collaboration. Breaking away from traditional event formats, the meetup emphasizes direct, engaging networking over lengthy presentations, making it the ideal space to exchange ideas and drive mutual growth.

“Taking part in the London Fintech Networking Meetup is a step forward in our long-term strategy as Leo Messenger plans to integrate the latest fintech solutions in the app. Two months ago, we integrated payment for sticker packs, which was the first step in the to-do list. By connecting with the fintechs, we’re creating partnerships and future collaborations”, commented  Alona Shevtsova, CEO of Leo Messenger.

The event is sponsored and organized by:

· Sends

· Clear Junction

· Dukascopy Bank

· Colibrix

· Xpate

· Emerald24

The meetup will provide attendees with opportunities to connect directly with influential decision-makers in the fintech sector, discuss emerging trends and challenges shaping the industry, and forge partnerships and collaborations to drive future growth.

Leo Messenger is a global communications platform focused on user safety and privacy. Available on iOS and Android, it offers end-to-end encrypted messaging, calls, and media sharing. Leo Messenger is free to download on the Apple Store and Google Play.

The London Fintech Networking Meetup is a vital forum for fostering connections within the industry. Now in its second edition, it is designed to provide a refreshing approach to professional gatherings, prioritizing interaction, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas among top-tier fintech professionals. Click the link to find out more details on the upcoming event.

For press inquiries or additional information, please contact:

Marketing Department

Email: press@leo.m.com

Address: Covent Garden, London, England WC2H 9JQ, GB

Contact Name: Denis Kravchenko