NANCHANG -- The 2024 China Jingdezhen International Ceramic Expo kicked off on Friday in Jingdezhen, renowned worldwide as the "porcelain capital," in East China's Jiangxi province.

This year's exhibition area has expanded by 33 percent from last year to 140,000 square meters. It includes eight major sections, including international brands, renowned kilns and artistic ceramics.

Over 1,100 exhibitors are showcasing products from international brands, traditional kilns, and local Jingdezhen ceramic enterprises and art studios.

With an emphasis on integrated development in trade, investment, and culture, the event features international brands from 12 countries, including Japan, Germany and the United States.

To foster innovation, the expo has also enlarged its zone for entrepreneurship and innovation to provide a platform for young artists and local entrepreneurs.

In addition to the main expo, a series of high-profile events will be held, including forums on ceramic culture heritage and innovation, and art exhibitions.

"I've brought a range of lifestyle artworks, including ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry designed by various designers in Italy," said Italian Gregorio Dall'Asta who attended the expo for the first time.

"We hope to strengthen our connection with Chinese designers and promote the Italian lifestyle in China, as many designers and companies at home are excited about Chinese ceramics and culture and see significant potential in this market," said the Italian designer.

Jingdezhen's ceramic industry is increasingly becoming more creative, culturally diverse, and influential worldwide, establishing itself as a hub for the creative ceramic sector, said Du Tonghe, president of the China Ceramic Industry Association, at the opening ceremony.

In September, the online platform for Jingdezhen ceramic trading operations center based in Shenzhen was officially launched. The platform is set to evolve into a ceramic trading platform worth over 10 billion yuan in the next three to five years.

Ye Fengchun, deputy director of the Jingdezhen development and reform commission, noted during the event that last year, the total output value of Jingdezhen's ceramic industry surpassed 86.12 billion yuan ($12.1 billion). Furthermore, between January to August of this year, the value added by major ceramic enterprises reached around 2.97 billion yuan, up 11.8 percent.

First held in 2004, the expo, formerly the China Jingdezhen International Ceramic Fair, has become a significant platform to showcase the world's finest porcelain.

Over the past 20 years, the event has drawn around 2,500 overseas enterprises from 49 countries and regions, according to the organizers.