Cheh to Deliver Keynote Address At Apparel Sourcing Symposium-Asia

COLUMBIA, SC — John Cheh, Vice Chairman of the Esquel Group, Hong Kong, will deliver the Keynote Address, “China in the Global Textile & Clothing Context,” at Apparel Sourcing Symposium-Asia, to be held September 19, 2006 in Shanghai, China, in conjunction with Apparel Sourcing Expo-Asia.

“John Cheh has a highly relevant message for anyone with apparel interests in China and Asia,” said Susan Black, Publisher of Apparel magazine, the producer of the Symposium and Expo. “John’s affiliation with Esquel Group, one of the world’s leading vertically integrated cotton apparel manufacturers, combined with more than 20 years of extensive experience in the diplomatic and commercial arenas, gives him a most unique and knowledgeable perspective.”

In his Keynote, Cheh will share his analysis of production trends and strategies in China, offer insight into the country’s near- and long-term strengths and weaknesses, and discuss China’s potential not just as a supplier, but also as a growing consumer of apparel.

In its third year, the Symposium is designed to offer high level, in-depth Asia sourcing and market information presented by leading experts. “This year will mark the first time we have expanded both the Expo’s exhibitor base and the Symposium content to focus on not just China, but Asia as well,” said Black. “It’s a natural extension to consider production options and strategies in the whole of Asia as we continue to explore China’s dynamic future.”

The Symposium program also will include:
•“Strategic Asian Sourcing,” presented by Mike Mikkelborg, Co-Founder & General Manager, Asia, Source Global On Demand. Mikkelborg will draw on his in-depth sourcing experience throughout the Asian region to share how top brands, manufacturers and retailers are making strategic sourcing decisions in today’s complex and ever-changing environment.

•“Key Principals for Building an Effective Sourcing Strategy,” presented by Phillis Lin, Senior Manager & Atiff Gill, Manager, Kurt Salmon Associates. This information-rich session will focus on the three pillars necessary for effective sourcing: Product, cost and speed. Attendees will learn how effective sourcing organizations operate and what they measure as success. Future trends in
sourcing strategy also will be explored. Lin and Gill have extensive experience in the Asia-Pacific region, having worked with major players in both
the retail and apparel fields.

•“Protecting Your Intellectual Property Rights in China,” presented by Zhaokang Jiang, Partner, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg. Attendees will learn what steps you can and should take in China to protect your firm’s most valued assets, from your designs to your brand name. Jiang has represented major U.S. and Chinese corporations before government agencies on issues related to customs, international trade, intellectual property rights, foreign exchange and international taxes.

Apparel Sourcing Symposium-Asia will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 19 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. A luncheon is included. Symposium attendees also will receive invitations to a VIP Networking Reception following the Expo on the 19th and to Apparel’s Shanghai Golf Challenge for sourcing executives, to be held Monday, September 18.
Apparel Sourcing Expo-Asia will feature some 600-plus Asia-based apparel and textile producers, offering virtually every product. Countries to be represented include China, Thailand, Vietnam, India and South Korea.

The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles (CCCT) will serve as a co-host for the events. Other supporting organizations include the California Fashion Association, the Textile/Clothing Technology Corp., [TC]2, Kurt Salmon Associates (KSA) and the Shanghai Municipal Economic Corporation.

Admission to the Expo’s exhibits is free. Full event registration including the Symposium, Shanghai Golf Challenge, VIP Networking Reception and more is $595. To learn more and register, visit apparelmag.com.

Both the Apparel Sourcing Symposium-Asia and Expo are co-produced with VNU Exhibitions Asia.

About Apparel
Apparel magazine offers technology and business insight from concept to consumer, providing competitive, actionable information to executives representing the world’s most successful apparel brands, retailers and manufacturers. Its targeted content addresses Retail Intelligence, Supply Chain, Sourcing & Logistics, Concept-to-Spec and Fiber-to-Fabric. An Edgell Communications publication, Apparel also produces the Apparel Executive Forum, Apparel’s Tech Conference, Apparel Sourcing Expo-Asia, numerous web seminars, the Apparel e-Newsletter and apparelmag.com.

About Edgell Communications
For more than two decades, Edgell Communications has delivered quality, targeted content to a quality, targeted audience. Today the organization delivers content in more ways than ever, but the result is the same: Powerful market relationships that connect leading executives with leading solutions and service providers. In print, in person and online.

About VNU Exhibitions Asia
As a subsidiary of VNU Business Media, VNU Exhibitions Asia is one of the leading exhibition companies in China and has an extensive network within the Chinese market. VNU Exhibitions Asia, with offices in Shanghai and Guangzhou, organizes approximately 20 trade shows and consumer events as well as conferences and seminars annually.

– end –