The 14th China Datang International Hosiery Industry Exposition is recently held in Datang town, Zhuji, Zhejiang province. [Photo/People]

The 14th China Datang International Hosiery Industry Exposition was recently held in Datang town, Zhuji, Zhejiang province, showcasing the development of the town's hosiery industry over the past four decades. 

Known as the "global city of hosiery", Zhuji is the largest stockings and socks production center in the world. With a complete hosiery industrial chain, the city contributes two thirds of the nation's hosiery output and takes up one third of the world's hosiery market share every year.

Not resting upon its current achievements, the city has been strengthening digital transformation of its hosiery industry in recent years, with efforts made in areas, such as building industrial internet platforms, helping companies apply smart technologies, and establishing internet think tanks.

Customers select from a variety of socks and stockings at a shop in Zhuji, Zhejiang province. [Photo/People]

"I hope the hosiery industry of Datang will become a national model of hosiery industrial innovation and modernization by leveraging digital technologies," said Xiong Meng, executive vice-president of the China Federation of Industrial Economics, at the opening ceremony of the exposition on Nov 18.

Xu Liangping, Party chief of Zhuji, expressed his expectation for the expo to further enhance the reputation and influence of the local hosiery industry.

Alibaba launched its cooperation with the government of Zhuji to help with digitalization of local hosiery companies and help their products go global.

In addition, the Hurun Most Innovative Hosiery Companies in the World list was released at the opening ceremony, with 26 Zhuji companies making the list.