More than 500 major suppliers from home and abroad are expected at the 2011 Keqiao International Textile Autumn Expo set to run from Oct 25 to 28 in its namesake township in Zhejiang's Shaoxing county.

One of the world's largest textile shows, the expo is held every spring and autumn, with the upcoming session expecting nearly 1,300 booths operating across more than 30,000 square meters displaying fabrics and accessories, garments, home textiles and textile machinery.

More than 2,300 overseas buyers and 2,600 domestic buyers have confirmed they will participate in the event held at the International Convention and Exhibition Center in Keqiao's China Textile City.

"We predict the number of overseas participants representing either suppliers or buyers is expected to surpass 6,000, compared with last year's 5,579," said Sun Chengrong, deputy director of the China Textile City's administration committee.

In addition to the main expo at the International Convention and Exhibition Center, a number of exhibitions and trade activities will be held at other sites around China Textile City.

The event's major events include the opening ceremony, an online trade show, the 2011 China International Textile Design Competition, the 2011 China Garment Design Competition, releases of new products, an expert forum and matchmaking events between suppliers and buyers.

Creativity show

A highlight is expected to be the "creativity show" at which a dozen renowned designers from South Korea will share their innovative ideas with local designers.

The South Korean design delegation first participated in the event in 2008, a year that marked a substantial increase in the expo's international influence.

It was the first year the event offered an overseas exhibition zone, immediately drawing the attention from overseas suppliers and buyers.

This year Italy, Germany, Japan - as well as China's Hong Kong and Taiwan - will set up national or regional pavilions.

Another highlight of the event is that there will be more innovative technologies and techniques, as well as more environmental-friendly and high-value-added products, on display.

Organizers promised better-than-ever services will be offered to the participants.

For instance, free accommodation will be available for overseas guests who confirm to visit in advance.

There will also be shuttle buses to link the hotels and exhibition venues.