In the rapidly evolving world of flooring and floor technology, platforms like DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR have proven to be pivotal, connecting global professionals and fostering industry advancement. As we count down to this year’s edition of this prestigious event, we discuss with Aida Cuko, the International Business Director at VNU Exhibitions, the organiser of Domotex asia/CHINAFLOOR. Aida shares her anticipation for the upcoming event, the significance of such platforms, and the opportunities that lay ahead for rising markets like India.
Modern Woodwork (MW): With just 15 days until the opening of DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR 2023, could you share your expectations for this year’s edition of this prestigious event?

Aida Cuko (AC): Yes, the anticipation for this year’s event is palpable indeed. We are expecting thousands of professionals worldwide, along with over 1,600 flooring and floor technology manufacturers from more than 30 different countries. This vast gathering of expertise is set to generate exciting insights and showcase innovative trends in the flooring industry.
MW: That’s impressive. Could you share with us some statistics from the previous editions that highlight the event’s growth and impact?
AC:. DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR has seen a consistent growth trajectory over the years. During Covid, like everywhere else, the show gathered mainly China based professionals and companies who already had presence in China. We never missed an edition during the pandemic in China, but of course they were not representing the real scale of DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR. This year we are back to full size. The show will cover 2,00,000 sq. m. of exhibiting space at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC) in Shanghai, and we expect to have 68,000+ visitors from both China and overseas, who are now able to travel in the country and have pre-registered numerously. This year, DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR will reconfirm again its leading role in the floor covering industry of the APAC region.
MW: Fascinating! India is recognized as a burgeoning market in the flooring industry. Could you elucidate on the opportunities this event might present for Indian professionals and businesses?
AC: Indeed, India’s market is expanding at a rapid pace. DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR offers a unique platform for Indian professionals and businesses to interact with Chinese and international flooring producers, explore innovative trends, products, and technologies, and gain insights into the global market. India will in fact be one of the most important visiting countries at the show this year. Moreover, our exhibition provides an opportunity for Indian companies to display their products to high quality Chinese buyers as well as buyers from Southeast Asia, South Korea, Japan, Oceania, but also Middle East, Europe and the Americas.
MW: That’s insightful. How do you see the current status of the global flooring industry?
AC: The global flooring industry has been significantly influenced by the booming construction markets in Asia, particularly China and India. While the pandemic presented its challenges, it also unveiled new opportunities, particularly in sectors like healthcare, education and hospitality which have shown promising growth post-Covid.
MW: Could you give us an insight into how China and India are faring on the woodworking and textile front?
AC: China is largest wood flooring exporter in the world. As of first quarter of 2023, there were 5,800+ wood flooring exporters in China, that arranged over 186K shipments all over the world. China exports most of its wood flooring to the USA, India and Vietnam. On the textile flooring side, China registered an export volume of 3.85 billion USD of carpet and other textile floor coverings in 2022, marking an increase of 2.8% from the previous year. India, along with Turkey, Japan, the USA are among countries where China imports most of its textile floor covering products from. While the pandemic initially caused a downturn, the easing of restrictions has triggered a swift recovery, particularly in the context of large-scale.
MW: There is also a lot of discussion around digital transformation in manufacturing and supply chain management. Can you elaborate on that?
AC: In fact, China and Asia in general have, in the last decades, taken the lead in so many aspects related to digital transformation and adaption of AI. All these aspects are very much present among flooring manufacturers. Companies are leveraging cutting-edge technologies and advanced analytics to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and improve customer service. These innovative approaches will allow the flooring manufacturers to diversify their products and make them competitive at world level.
MW: We understand there was an increased focus on sustainability. How did this manifest at the DACF?
AC: China continuous to show a serious commitment towards this important cause and has set a very ambitious plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. The businesses are following and adapting their model to match the national strategic plan. The awareness has grown to tremendous levels at fast speed. This is very much present among the flooring manufacturers as well. All the new products that exhibitors will bring to the show and are nowadays pre-presenting to the audience via various channels, have sustainability at their core. I believe this trend reflects the industry’s growing responsibility towards environmental stewardship.
MW: Lastly, based on your experience, what can we expect for the future of the flooring industry?
AC: The future of the flooring industry is very exciting. There will continue to be an important emphasis on sustainability, aesthetics, and functionality. With the advancements in technology and increasing environmental consciousness, more innovative and green solutions will emerge in the industry in the years to come. Improved trading environments will also help the exchange between the countries and will also bring to the scene new emerging markets that offer great growth potential.
Complimentary registration for DACF (26 to 28 July 2023, NECC, Shanghai) can be made at the following link:
https://domotexasiachinafloor.com/register-now.shtml
About VNU Exhibitions:
Established in Shanghai nearly 30 years ago, VNU Exhibitions Asia is one of the earliest exhibition organizers in China. It is a part of the Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs (VNU Group) based in Utrecht, the Netherlands. VNU Exhibitions Asia is known for partnering with international organizers to bring a series of world-leading exhibitions to China. It has also successfully launched a number of independent brand exhibitions that have grown to play a crucial international role.