Visitor attendance up 40% at ATSC 2017

The ongoing Apparel Textile Sourcing Canada (ATSC) 2017 has witnessed 40 per cent increase in attendees compared to last year. Representatives from China occupied 200 of the booths, with the other exhibits featuring wares from countries such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, United States, United Kingdom, Turkey, Switzerland, Spain and Nepal.

"There is a direct linkage between the world economies, and we chose Toronto to introduce this show as we see a very ripe opportunity in this city, with its residents originating from hundreds of different countries, a thriving retail environment and many local entrepreneurs," said Jason Prescott, CEO of JP Communications who organised the trade fair.

"We felt that bringing the show to Toronto would give us the best opportunity to connect a lot of bridges around the world," said Prescott adding that Canada’s economic strength is an attraction for industry players from across the globe eager to do business in this country.

Visitors gained insight into Canadian trade with developing countries – particularly in the area of artisan specialty textiles through TFO Canada – as well as Canada Border Services Agency's Least Developed Countries Programme that supports duty-free imports from countries such as Bangladesh and Cambodia. In addition, attendees learned updates from the Canadian Apparel Federation on the NAFTA re-negotiation and Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.

The three-day trade event kicked-off on August 21, 2017.