ITMA ASIA + CITME 2012, Asia’s leading textile machinery exhibition, which was held at Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) from 12 to 16 June 2012, ended on a high note for the organisers with record numbers of visitors and exhibitors.

Organisers say that despite the difficult global economic climate, the third combined exhibition registered around 92,000 visitors from 94 countries and economies over five days, up 12% from the 2010 show.  Over 20% of the visitors came from outside of China.

 Of the overseas visitors, India led the pack, reflecting the rapid growth of its textile industry and following closely were trade visitors from Japan, Indonesia, Iran and Pakistan.

 Mr Stephen Combes, President of CEMATEX, said:

“We are delighted with the response. The strong turnout of visitors to the show has demonstrated that buyers in the region still remain upbeat about the potential of the Asian textile market. It also reaffirms the reputation of ITMA ASIA + CITME as the most effective business platform in China for the industry.”

 Quality leads and enquiries

The combined show attracted 1283 exhibitors from 28 countries and economies who presented their latest textile machinery and related technology. For many exhibitors, the exhibition was an effective platform to have face-to-face meetings and to network with industry players from the region.

 According to the organisers, one happy exhibitor is Karl Mayer’s president, Fritz Mayer.

“We benefited greatly from our participation at ITMA ASIA + CITME as it had a targeted audience and enabled us to feel the pulse of the industry. The vast majority of the visitors are serious buyers and we are extremely happy with the business opportunities gained from this show,” Fritz Mayer said.

 Mr Ye Maoxin, Vice President of China Hi-Tech Group Co., Ltd, which occupied a complete hall at the exhibition, commented:

“We are very satisfied with our participation in the exhibition, and the efforts made by the organisers in bringing in quality visitors. Many of the local and overseas visitors were serious buyers. Hence, we are pleased to continue to support future editions of the combined show.”

Organisers say they are delighted with the response to the ITMA ASIA + CITME series and they have announced that the collaboration will continue for the next two editions. Beijing Textile Machinery International Exhibition Co Ltd and MP International Pte Ltd have also been re-appointed as organiser and co-organiser, respectively of the next two shows.

 Mr Wang Shutian, President of CTMA, explained:

“ITMA ASIA + CITME is a vital event in the calendar of textile machinery shows and we are very happy to continue to present the best technologies from both east and west to Asian buyers.”

 The next ITMA ASIA + CITME will be held from 16 to 20 June 2014. For more information on ITMA ASIA + CITME, please visit www.itmaasia.com  or www.citme.com.cn .

 The combined show is owned by CEMATEX, together with its Chinese partners – the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT (CCPIT-Tex), China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA) and China International Exhibition Centre Group Corporation (CIEC).