In the midst of the US-China trade dispute, hundreds of Chinese companies willing to do business with the Canadians will make their way to the Apparel Textile Sourcing (ATS) in Canada. A first-of-its-kind showcase of top brands from China, Avenue ATS will be unveiled at the three-day apparel and textile trade show beginning August 20, 2018.
More than 5,000 visitors including apparel and fashion executives, influencers, designers, retailers, importers, wholesalers, merchandisers, buyers and suppliers are expected to attend the international exhibition. Keynote speakers at the event include some of North America’s leading apparel and textile industry experts, ready to hone in on what the US-China trade issues mean for Canadians and potential repercussions for the sector.
Of the expert speakers, Bob Kirke, executive director, Canadian Apparel Federation, will provide a Canadian trade policy update on strengthening relationships with global markets, including China, which represents more than 40 per cent of Canadian apparel imports. Julia K Hughes, president, US Fashion Industry Association (USFIA), will speak about the United States Trade Policy Update and the Impact on NAFTA and TPP. Jeff Streader, global industry veteran and private equity partner, will share insight into the ompact of artificial intelligence and digital disruption on the global supply chain. Sun Jiwen, minister counsellor, economic and commercial counsellor’s office of the embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Canada, will head a panel on China’s Changing Role as a Front-runner in the Global Textile and Apparel Supply Chain.