For the past two decades, Akai Lin has been an integral part of CHAN CHAO INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., responsible for overseeing exhibitions in Bangladesh, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar. DTG has been organized in Dhaka, Bangladesh since 2004. This year’s event boasts over 1,000 exhibitors from 35 countries, including those participating directly as well as through their local agents. The exhibition has attracted an estimated 37,000 visitors.
TEXTILE VALUE CHAIN had an Exclusive conversation with Akai Lin and he shared his insights as follows:
Exhibitors and Visitors Profile
The business visitors mostly are from Bangladesh. There are also some from South Indian Nations such as India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asian Nations such as Thailand and Vietnam.
We have indexed for various countries and regions, making it a truly global event with exhibitors from around the world. While China and Taiwan are well-represented, comprising about 25~30% of exhibitors, we also have a notable presence from Turkey and India. Specifically, we have over 100 companies from India and approximately 30 to 40 from Turkey. In addition, we are pleased to have major distributors from Bangladesh participating in the exhibition, representing various brands from different nations.
Vision for Chanchao
While my company’s headquarters is based in Taiwan, we have expanded our focus to overseas markets such as Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Cambodia to tap into their manufacturing potential. In Taiwan, we hold over 25 exhibitions annually, including events focused on biotechnology, bakery, food & beverage, pets, as well as B2B machinery shows.
We are actively seeking countries that are keen to invest in manufacturing machinery. Bangladesh, where 80% of exports are from RMG manufacturing, is a particularly attractive market due to its growing status as the next China for garment production. As the fourth largest garment exporter in the world in 2004 and now the second largest, Bangladesh offers significant potential for growth, particularly as the market shifts towards synthetic fibers.
Additionally, Vietnam has been a key location for us for over 23 years due to its status as a manufacturing hub for multiple industries.
Exhibition in Hybrid Mode
In response to the pandemic since early 2020, we developed a hybrid mode that included our own online exhibition platform. Although we invested significant resources in the development of the platform and conducted online seminars and webinars, we recognized that people still value the opportunity to interact face-to-face, see the machines in action, and discuss business in person. Consequently, we ultimately decided to close the online platform while retaining many of its features on our official website.
Through the website, visitors who are unable to attend in person can still access information and see the latest developments in our industry. In addition, visitors can contact with exhibitors by leaving text messages online, facilitating networking and communication. Looking ahead, our future vision is to develop a digital marketplace that provides year-round business opportunities for the industry.
New Market Exposure
We are continually searching for emerging markets that have the potential to become our next destination for organizing industrial exhibitions. Additionally, we are seeking international partners who can collaborate with us and foster mutual growth.
Massage to Exhibitors and Visitors
My primary goal is to create a robust platform that provides exhibitors and visitors with an exceptional experience. By attending our exhibitions, participants have the opportunity to meet one another in a comfortable atmosphere and easily explore different trends and products from various countries all under one roof. Each year, we strive to improve the quality of our exhibitions to ensure that everyone is satisfied with the outcome.
Startups
Attending exhibitions is crucial for start-up companies, even with a limited budget. By registering and participating in an exhibition, start-ups can gain insight into market trends, interact with big companies, and observe visitor requirements. This is an affordable way for start-ups to initiate business overseas and determine the best quality products and services to offer.
