China has been trying to get more apparel factories and textile mills to move away from the coastal region, where there is a labour shortage, and move inland. This has been going on for the past three years, but the Chinese government recently released a five-year, 40-page plan for its textile industry that puts those goals into writing.

The country would like to see more textile factories, now located predominantly in the eastern coastal region of the country, move closer to Xinjiang province in the west, where much of China’s cotton is grown. Apparel factories would be set up in inland provinces with lower costs and abundant labour.

China wants the textile industry, during the five-year period, to upgrade in eight areas, including technological innovation, the industrialization of advanced technologies, branding development, sustainable development, the planning of industrial parks, adjustment of the industry structure, mergers and acquisitions, and talent management.

In addition, China will seek more innovations in the fields of high-performance fiber materials such as carbon fiber, and in the research and development of fibers made of renewable resources.

The five-year plan calls for the development by 2015 of 5 to 10 internationally recognized Chinese brands that could be sold overseas and the development of at least 100 national brands for domestic consumption.

Apparel makers should be trained in brand management and development to compete with Western countries that, for decades, have been adept at launching and building international brands.

The plan acknowledges that China has a lot of competition now for U.S. and European markets. India has been making great strides in apparel production, as have countries in Southeast Asia.