F or decades, the United States was the driving force behind the world economy. Whatever happened in the US economy had a strong influence on the global flow of goods and products. The most prominent example is the global financial landslide of the past 18 months. However, on the other side of the ocean, an economic power has started to dominate - China.

China has become a world factory in general, and for textiles in particular. For the textile machinery industry in the West, China has turned out to be a very important market, and the country has matured into an important exporter of textile products as well. The textile industry in China plays a significant role in providing employment, meeting huge domestic demand, and promoting trade and economic cooperation.

Following its accession to the World Trade Organization, China has become even more linked with the global financial system, and has also been hit by the recent financial problems. However, China, blessed with a domestic market of 1.3 billion people, seems to overcome the problems, reporting an increase of nearly 8 percent in gross domestic product in the first six months of this year.

In this context, Shanghai plays a vital role and is undoubtedly one of the booming power cities in China. In the greater Shanghai area, textiles play an important role. Last year, Shanghai and ITMA Asia were the center of attention for the global textile community.

Another important event is set to take place in Shanghai - the 2009 Annual Conference of the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), to be held October 23-25. In 2008, ITMF welcomed China as a new member, and to celebrate, member association China National Textile & Apparel Council (CNTAC) will host the conference, and is inviting delegates from textile companies all over the world to Shanghai. The event is considered to be the most important annual gathering of the global textile industry.

Textile World Asia and its sister magazines, Textile World and Textiles Panamericanos, are proud to have been chosen as ITMF's official media partner for this conference. Welcome to China, Nihao to Shanghai.