A worker operates a textile machine at a local factory in Hai’an, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, on Feb 20. [Photo/IC]

Textile firms based in Hai'an city reported sales of 15 billion yuan ($2.23 billion) in 2018, according to local media reports.

In recent years, the local government has been actively encouraging textile firms to work with universities, suppliers and scientific research institutions to improve innovation and launch exciting new products.

In addition, the city has encouraged many of its textile firms to cluster in an industrial park to ensure they can make efficiency savings.