A fter two consecutive ITMA Asias in Singapore in 2001 and 2005, China is hosting the most important textile machinery event ITMA Asia + CITME for the first time, July 27-31, 2008, at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre (SNIEC).

The European Association of Textile Machinery Manufacturers (CEMATEX) and the Chinese textile associations decided that Shanghai would be the venue for a combined event. This step should reduce the total number of shows currently in the textile show calendar.

Positive Thinking

Some weeks ago, I had a meeting with Yang Zhao Hua, vice chairman of the Sub Council for Textile Industry (CCPIT) and the Textile Chamber of Commerce (CCOIC) in Beijing. He was fully convinced that the US economic crisis is not affecting the Chinese textile market too much. According to Yang, China's overall textile exports in 2007 reached a value of some US$627 billion. Only 28 percent, worth US$175.6 billion, was exported. Generally, Yang sees positive development for the Chinese textile industry in 2008. It might be that exports will decrease a little; however, the rising domestic demand will balance this fact. As he is very much involved in the organization of the upcoming ITMA Asia + CITME in Shanghai, is he convinced that the upcoming exhibition will be a success?

Yes, two strong partners go together, he said. ITMA Asia + CITME will be a solid exhibition.

New Start

After some early problems, ITMA Asia + CITME organizers and the exhibitors did their homework and are expecting a great show. The overall fairground, all 126,500 square meters, sold out. All the big Western textile machinery builders will be present. For sure, the fair is having a big impact on the domestic textile machinery industry; many domestic manufacturers also will exhibit at the show. So this explains the major reason why exhibitions of this scale are still so successful: All visitors have an excellent possibility to compare machinery from different sources all in one place.

Nihao! See you in Shanghai!