Footwear industry in "China's shoe capital" goes smart

Known as "China's shoe capital", Jinjiang City in east China's Fujian Province has been promoting intelligent transformation of its footwear and other sporting goods industry, with the achievements highlighted at the ongoing footwear and sports industry exposition.

The 26th Jinjiang Footwear and the 9th Sports Industry International Exposition opened on Saturday, attracting exhibitors and buyers from more than 70 countries and regions.

At the event, many exhibitors present high-tech sporting goods.

Jinjiang-based Shuhua Sports, which specializes in manufacturing fitness equipment, puts up an AI-powered treadmill.

It can generate a workout plan once a user inserts his or her physical data. Then it can track a runner's heart rate, respiratory rate, and other health data throughout the exercise.

A company representative said the domestically-developed treadmill is a match for international counterparts.

"From its chips, the entire system development, to the AI model connection, everything is home made and represents our capacity. We are now on par with international brands in terms of product manufacturing, research and development, as well as marketing channels," said Lai Quanfu, product manager of Shuhua Sports.

Many exhibitors also display cutting-edge shoemaking machinery.

One of the most eye-catching devices is a PVC injection molding machine, which can greatly simplify sole making process, and only needs one operator to handle.

International buyers said they are impressed with the machinery and interested in expanding cooperation with Chinese suppliers.

"Many machines, many technologies, new technology for our manufacturer can be [applied] on there and then many kinds of products in here that we can find, so that it is good for business," said an Indonesian buyer.

"Made in China' is good. Factories can make everything, depending on the order. It's very important. I saw many, many companies, suppliers here in the exhibition, so we are planning to go to some factories after the exhibition," said an Afghan buyer.

The expo released a total of 26 locally-made new products, focusing on new trends, new technologies and new materials, demonstrating the resilience and innovation of China's footwear, apparel and sports industry chain to domestic and foreign merchants.

Officials said more efforts are underway to promote cooperation between local and overseas companies.

"The products we released this time are mainly about fashion, science, technology and healthy living. From functions to science and technology, the added value of products is becoming more and more obvious. During the exhibition, we will also organize international buyers to visit industrial parks in Jinjiang, to facilitate their connection with local enterprises, so as to deepen understanding and strengthen cooperation between the two sides," said Sun Shuibin, president of Jinjiang City's Council for Promotion of International Trade.

The expo will last through Tuesday.

Footwear industry in "China's shoe capital" goes smart

Innovative household products featuring multifunctionality and cultural designs have helped exhibitors to enhance international competitiveness at the ongoing 139th China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, in Guangzhou City, south China's Guangdong Province.

A building material that can be used not only for wall decoration, but also as a screen after being charged with electricity, is shining at the building and furniture exhibition area of the event's second phase, running from April 23 to 27 under the theme of "Quality Home Life."

"It enables our building material to become smarter and more flexible. At present, the product has entered European and the U.S. markets for sale, and has been well received in the markets," said exhibitor Feng Liangcheng, general manager of international business at Phomi Holding, developer of the building material.

Many exhibitors have shown household products that integrate traditional Chinese aesthetics and modern industrial designs, such as a set of vase-shaped multifunctional tableware inspired by ancient China's Dunhuang culture.

"It's very impressive. It's something new and very interesting, innovative in some points while matching the cultural meaning of those products throughout the China history. That's what gets me the most, I guess," said Edoardo Orlandini, an Italian buyer.

The event also features an upgraded trade service area where 86 domestic design institutions are providing services for overseas purchasers and exhibitors, including not only industrial design, interior design and brand consulting services, but also new services like fashion design, artificial intelligence design and intangible cultural heritage design. It aims to create a platform where designers and manufacturers get in touch and closely cooperate.

The 139th Canton Fair, which opened on April 15, consists of three phases. The first phase, which concluded on April 19, was themed "advanced manufacturing," while the third phase, which will take place from May 1 to 5, will focus on "Better Life."

Innovative household products enhance exhibitors' international competitiveness at Canton Fair