Day 6 - Steve's Observations of the Silk Market

We had another meeting related to the automotive industry in China today. The projected growth of that market seems to be tied to the annual GDP growth rate that the central government tries to control. GDP is expected to grow at about 8-10% and the auto growth is looking at a conservative 7.6% growth over the next 5 years.
We went to the silk market and saw how silk is converted from cocoon to thread and finally into a blanket. Interesting process. EVERYTHING is ultimately used. After the silkworm grows and finally spits out the silk the pupa is harvested and sold as a deep fried "treat". It was likened to a peanut; not sure I agree with the peanut comparison. The group translator said in China everything is eaten. You can see Luciano's new silk hat in this picture.

Here are a few random pictures from today too.