The fourth combined ITMA ASIA + CITME exhibition is gearing up for another mega showcase in Shanghai, China.

To be held from 16 to 20 June 2014 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, the show will gross 152,200 square metres in 13 halls, 15 per cent larger than the last edition in 2012. To-date, the event has attracted the participation of 1,351 textile machinery manufacturers from 27 countries and regions.

Taking up the largest exhibition area are Chinese exhibitors, booking slightly over 66 per cent. European manufacturers, taking over 22 per cent of the total exhibition space, are the next biggest contingent.

Mr Charles Beauduin, President of CEMATEX, said: "Textile machinery manufacturers are still buoyant about the Asian market, particularly China. Investments in cost-effective technology to help the textile and garment industry stay ahead of the competition are still strong. As such, our combined show will continue to be the unrivalled marketing platform for textile machinery manufacturers tapping into the vibrant China market."

Mr Wang Shutian, President of China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA), added: "Interest in the combined show remains extremely strong, especially from Chinese textile machinery manufacturers. As China's textile industry continues its transformation, the demand for advanced machinery and technology is on the rise. This is also reflected in the current uptrend in textile machinery trade."

According to statistics from the General Administration of Customs, China's exports of textiles and garments amounted to US$26 billion in 2013. This is an increase of 7 per cent over the same period last year.

China continues to focus on upgrading technology and skills to reach an international level for textile and other industry sectors, and this is one of the priorities under the government's 12th Five-Year Plan period (2011-2015).

Extensive visitor promotion

ITMA ASIA + CITME 2014 is being promoted throughout Asia by means of numerous roadshows and visits to trade associations. Recent roadshows in India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey and Vietnam have drawn very positive responses from the local industries, and delegations and groups of visitors from key textile manufacturing economies have indicated their intention to visit the showcase.

In China, an intensive roadshow covering Fujian, Guangdong, Shandong and Zhejiang provinces is currently underway.

Hassle-free online registration

Visitors are advised to plan their visit early. To avoid onsite queues, visitors can purchase their badges online at www.itmaasia.com and www.citme.com.cn to enjoy an attractive 40 per cent discount. For added convenience, visitors may print their badges after successful registration.

For more information on ITMA ASIA + CITME 2014, please visit www.itmaasia.com, or www.citme.com.cn.