Despite the current global economic slowdown, the world's leading textile machinery manufacturers are said to be still strongly attracted to the prospects offered by China, the world's largest textile producer.

This can be seen from the overwhelming response received by the combined textile machinery show, ITMA ASIA + CITME 2012, which will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre from 12 to 16 June 2012, organisers say.

At the close of space application, around 130,000 square metres gross of exhibition space in 11 halls has been booked by leading industry names from almost 30 countries. Although the space application deadline has passed, the show owners say they are still being besieged with late applications, including several applications for very large booths.

The exhibition is expected to feature approximately 1300 local and international textile machinery builders who will showcase cutting-edge solutions, as well as sustainability and energy efficient machinery and processes. Chinese exhibitors make up the biggest country group, booking around 50% of the total exhibition space.

Besides China, the top participating countries in terms of space applications are, as expected Germany, Italy, Japan and Switzerland. Sector-wise, spinning machinery forms the largest sector, followed by knitting, dyeing and finishing, weaving and winding.

Miss Maria Avery, Secretary General of CEMATEX, The European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers, said: "The combined show is now well entrenched in the textile machinery exhibition calendar. It draws leading textile machinery manufacturers and is a must-attend showcase for the Asian market, offering plenty of business and networking opportunities."

Hassle-free visitor registration services

To ensure that ITMA ASIA + CITME is an industry-leading market place and to attract quality attendance, visitors must purchase badges to visit the exhibition. Visitors can purchase their badges online at www.itmaasia.com  and www.citme.com.cn  to enjoy an attractive 40% discount. For added convenience, visitors may print their badges after successful registration.

This time-saving feature further helps visitors avoid possible long onsite queues during the show. This service is also extended to exhibitors who wish to purchase badges for their guests. Visitor online registration will open in December 2011.

ITMA ASIA + CITME 2012 is owned by CEMATEX and its Chinese partners - the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT (CCPIT-Tex), China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA) and China Exhibition Centre Group Corporation (CIEC). It is organised by Beijing Textile Machinery International Exhibition Co Ltd and co-organised by MP International Pte Ltd. Those interested in exhibiting or visiting ITMA ASIA + CITME can obtain more information from www.itmaasia.com or www.citme.com.cn .