ITMA ASIA 2005 draws record numbers from South Asia

Exhibitors record significant sales and praise quality of leads

21 October 2005, Singapore – ITMA ASIA 2005 (17 to 21 October), the region’s leading textile machinery exhibition, is attracting record numbers of international visitors from South Asia. Of a total of 30,000 after five days, the largest numbers have come from South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka), which has recorded a 55 per cent increase from the previous exhibition held four years ago in Singapore.

Indians are fast seizing the opportunity
India leads the pack with an increase of over 70 per cent in visitor numbers from 2001, reflecting the rapid growth of its textile industry. Thousands of Indian textile manufacturers, association and government officials, dealers and agents, have constituted the largest group among the trade fair audience. Following closely are trade visitors from Indonesia, Thailand, China, Bangladesh, Korea and Malaysia. Over 90 per cent of the visitors are from outside Singapore.

Edward Roberts, President of CEMATEX (owner of ITMA ASIA) said: “We are very pleased with the results achieved by many of our exhibitors. They have been especially encouraged by the large groups from India, who are fast seizing this window of opportunity to upgrade and grow their textile businesses, while trade talks are still taking place between US and China. Other groups from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are also strongly represented – a trend that shows the strength of South Asian players in textile manufacturing.”

Quality leads at ITMA ASIA 2005
Common feedback from exhibitors shows that visitors this year have tended to spend more time at the exhibition gathering in-depth knowledge about the machinery and discussing plans. Edward Roberts added: “Most of our visitors are serious buyers and as a result many of our exhibitors have signed major contracts this week. This speaks extremely well of all our efforts to build and retain quality visitor traffic.”

Christian Kuoni, President and Chairman of the Board of Jakob Muller AG, Frick commented: “ITMA and ITMA Asia have always been the leading shows in the sector, but this year has really exceeded expectations. We had an ambitious sales target before the event and we are well ahead of this. We have recorded a number of sales with Indian customers. Once again the organisation by Meeting Planners International has been perfect.”

Erwin Devloo, Marketing Communications Manager, Picanol said: “The volume of business has been very impressive – we have been very busy. We have signed significant contracts every day of the show, mainly with companies from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia.”

Singapore – a world-class business hub
According to Sylvia Phua, Organiser of ITMA ASIA 2005 and CEO of Meeting Planners International Pte Ltd, visitor reaction has been very positive: “Singapore’s world-class facilities and infrastructure have enabled us to deliver a memorable experience to the many thousands of visitors to ITMA ASIA 2005. More than 90 per cent of the visitors are from overseas, from 84 economies – an increase from 67 in 2001. As for the softer elements, exhibitors and visitors have also been impressed by the high level of service and warm hospitality. We are glad that our visitors have enjoyed their stay here and many of them are looking forward to doing business once again in Singapore in the near future.”

Edda Walraf, Head Marketing Division Textile, Rieter Management AG, commented: “This has been a rewarding experience for us. We are delighted by the quality of the visitors and enquiries. It is always easy doing business here in Singapore where the facilities are excellent and so conducive to doing good business.”

Posted: 19th September 2005

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