Organised by the China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC), the GAC attracted more than 1,000 global leaders from industry associations and companies representing nearly 20 countries and regions, including Italy, France, the UK, Spain, Germany, South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Malaysia and Morocco.

Under the theme "Together for a shared future," the conference, which took place in the port city of Humen in China's Guangdong Province, emerged as a platform for international collaboration within the ever-evolving global apparel industry.

The CNTAC's initiative sought to foster a multinational approach to transforming the textile sector, promoting transparency, cooperation and a suitable environment.

The GAC included a programme addressing critical issues facing the clothing industry today. With an opening ceremony, two gala events, three themed forums and various side events, participants were able to exchange expertise, research findings and insights.

Integration, cooperation and transparency were key themes throughout the GAC plenary session, culminating in the publication of the Global Apparel Conference Vision (Humen Vision).

Riccardo Braccialini, president of Confindustria Moda, which represents more than 67 thousand made in Italy companies, with the nation featuring as the event's guest country, said: "Interdependence, openness, and cooperation are essential for the future of the global fashion industry."

Themed forums included the Science and Technology Forum, the Fashion Forum and the Sustainable Forum, covering topics such as "From digitalisation to supply chain planning," "From fashion trends to cultural roots," and "From environmental protection concepts to production technologies".

Reflecting on the success of the event, Sun Ruizhe, president of the CNTAC, expressed optimism about the future: "To overcome the difficulty of joint development, international cooperation, openness and exchange are more necessary than ever.

"The successful start of the first GAC, fortunately, confirms the international willingness to cooperate transparently and allows us to look positively into the future. We will continue this initiative and look forward to the next event with even more global players in the industry participating."

Representatives from industry associations included:

• The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA),
• Pakistan Textile Exporters Association,
• Myanmar Garments Manufacturers Association (MGMA),
• Confindustria Moda from Italy,
• Moda España/Confederation of Spanish Fashion Companies,
• AMDIE and AMITH from Morocco,
• Malaysian Official Designers' Association (MODA),
• Textile Apparel Footwear & Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC),
• Indonesian Textile Association,
• Indonesian Fashion Chamber (IFC),
• Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA),
• Towel Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (TMA),
• Vietnam Textile & Apparel Association (VITAS).