Local media reports that government departments and the chamber of commerce aim to create a quality suitcase and bag manufacturing industry in eastern Pinghu city that would attract foreign brands.
The city has signed a memorandum of understanding with the China Chamber of Commerce for Imports and Exports of Light Industrial Products and Arts & Crafts to set up a suitcase and bag manufacturing base.
Wang Zhongqi, vice president of the chamber is reported to have said that this would foster more exports of famous brands and lay a sound foundation for developing the local manufacturing industry.
Wang also stated that the CCCLA and the local government would strengthen product safety and quality supervision and raise the environmental protection threshold for local enterprises.
Zhejiang Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau would provide oversight with the aim of ensuring the export quality of the bags.
Liu Zhiyan, vice director of the bureau, said the collaboration between the local government and the quality watchdog was timely in safeguarding export quality.
He called on companies to demonstrate their social responsibility and self-discipline, and added that premium-quality products come from production, not from inspection.
Shi Yunliang, Pinghu city's vice mayor, urged the 500 local suitcase and bag businesses to focus on building brands, improving quality, and increasing their products added-value to counter the falling demand from their traditional European and American markets.