As the global economy continues to stabilise, response from companies signing up to ITMA 2011 is said to be more and more positive. According to ITMA organisers CEMATEX, around 1000 applications have been received so far from leading machinery manufacturers in 36 countries.

 “ITMA is a recognised brand and we are delighted that the industry continues to support our showcase of innovative textile making technology. What is even more heartening is that over 15 per cent of the exhibitors have applied for a bigger booth space compared with their 2007 participation. This is a really positive sign that industry players are optimistic about the future,” added Mr Combes.

 Currently, exhibitors from the CEMATEX countries in Europe make up the biggest country group, booking some 80 per cent of the space. The top five participating countries in terms of space applications are Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Spain and Belgium. For the rest of the world, Indian manufacturers form the largest contingent, followed by Japan, Turkey, Taiwan and China. 

Sector-wise, finishing machinery forms the largest proportion, constituting almost 30 per cent of the exhibit space. This is followed by spinning, weaving and knitting, each contributing about 15 per cent.

Industry associations from textile and garment makers are also throwing their support behind ITMA 2011. To-date, more than 85 associations from over 50 countries have confirmed their support for the exhibition.

 Among the latest to sign up are three federations:

- Arab Federation for Textile Industries (AFTI), the sectoral business organisation affiliated with the League of Arab States Council of Arab Economic Unity

- ASEAN Federation of Textile Industries (AFTEX), a grouping of textile and garment associations of 10 Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam

- African Cotton & Textile Industries Federation (ACTIF), a regional trade body formed by the cotton, textile and apparel sectors from across sub-Saharan Africa. ACTIF currently includes members from 17 countries: Botswana, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia & Zimbabwe

 In celebration of ITMA’s 60th anniversary, several complementary activities have been organised with partners. They include the World Textile Summit organised by CEMATEX, ITMF, MP International and World Textile Information Network, and Advanced Textiles forum by the Industrial Fabrics Association International.