Rupert Hoogewerf announces the Hurun Most Innovative Hosiery Companies in the World list at the opening ceremony. [Photo/People]

The list included 100 companies from 17 countries, with China having the most companies on it.

"I hope the list will encourage more companies in Zhuji to seek innovation and build an industrial cluster integrating the industrial chain, internet, internet of things, artificial intelligence, and new retail," said Rupert Hoogewerf, founder of the list.

An agreement on developing Datang into a world-level pilot zone in building hosiery industrial clusters was also announced.

After the opening ceremony, Zhuji authorities signed 20 projects worth nearly 11 billion yuan ($1.56 billion) with companies from outside the city, focusing on areas like smart manufacturing, new materials, fashion design, and environmental protection.

The three-day exposition featured participation from more than 400 exhibitors from home and abroad. It included a variety of activities, such as an international hosiery machinery equipment competition, several forums, and a food festival.