Cotton's transformation into various products, from medical gear to consumer products, was highlighted at last year's inaugural China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), with Winner Group showcasing how a single cotton flower can spark a vast industrial network.

Winner Medical's exhibition at the inaugural CISCE. [Photo courtesy of Winner Medical]

The expo, held in Beijing from Nov. 28 to Dec. 2, featured Winner Medical and Purcotton, two brands under the Winner Group umbrella, in its healthy life industrial chain section.

Twenty-four companies, including Winner Medical, signed agreements on July 11 to exhibit at the upcoming second CISCE. The contracts were made with China International Exhibition Center Group (CIEC), the expo's organizer, during a roadshow ceremony in Shenzhen.

Zhang Yan, rotating CEO of Winner Medical, remarked, "As a key hub for China's reform and opening up, Shenzhen is at the forefront of sensing global opportunities. Winner Medical will leverage 'Shenzhen speed' and the CISCE platform to connect with the world and the future."

Winner Group has cultivated a sustainable loop in the cotton industry, according to Zhang. This approach, she explained, combines joint research on cotton breeding, improved production methods, and creative product innovation.

The company has integrated research and development, manufacturing, distribution, and service chains. Zhang stated that this strategy has led to mutual benefits across the cotton industry.

When Winner Group heard about CISCE last year, they quickly mobilized to participate. Their exhibit showcased a comprehensive view of the global cotton economy under the banner "Healthy China, Cotton and World." The display emphasized how the humble cotton flower can spark worldwide teamwork and innovation, illustrating the interconnected nature of the industry.

Zhang noted that CISCE's showcase of clean energy, digital innovation and other cross-industry applications has sparked new ideas and opened avenues for future interdisciplinary collaborations and connections. For companies, it is an excellent learning opportunity.

"Whether for brand display or global exchange, whether for cooperation within an industrial chain or between cross-industry sectors, the CISCE is an excellent platform," she said.

Additionally, Zhang emphasized Winner Group's commitment to expanding cotton planting areas in northwest China's Xinjiang, transforming arid and barren land into cultivable oases. "Through the CISCE, we have further recognized the importance of corporate social responsibilities. We will continue to prioritize social value over corporate value," she asserted.

Winner Group's exhibit at the first CISCE drew interest from African, Middle Eastern and European diplomats and business representatives. "They showed great interest in our cotton industrial chain and expressed strong willingness to cooperate," Zhang Yan said. "Through our display at the CISCE, we have connected with many excellent global resources and supply chain enterprises."

Looking ahead to the upcoming second CISCE, Zhang said, "We are very much looking forward to it!"

Winner Group plans to leverage the event to expand its global reach and partnerships. The company aims to use the expo to collaborate with other firms on supply chain issues and explore new markets for its brands and products, boosting mutual growth.

Zhang also pointed out, "As a leading enterprise in the (cotton) industrial chain and part of new quality productive forces, Winner Group will leverage its advantages and represent China's comprehensive healthcare industry to gain more global attention, thus driving the high-quality development of China's cotton industrial chain."

The second CISCE is scheduled to be held in Beijing from Nov. 26 to 30, 2024. It will feature exhibition areas for advanced manufacturing, smart vehicles, green agriculture, clean energy chain, digital technology, healthy life and supply chain services. Currently, preparations are progressing smoothly, with organizers reporting strong interest from domestic and foreign companies.