T
he 2009 Annual Conference of the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)
will take place October 23-25 in China. ITMF and host member China National Textile & Apparel
Council (CNTAC) are expecting top-level delegates from all over the world in the booming city of
Shanghai.
The general theme of the conference, “Structural Adjustments in the World Textile Industry,”
was chosen based on the current state of the world textile industry, which is challenged by various
difficulties – namely, structural technological adjustments, short supply of resources, increasing
obligations related to environmental concerns, and global financial and economic challenges. The
industry sees continuous opportunities to upgrade its technology for reasons of both efficiency and
ecology. In the past few years, economic globalization and the instable world economic situation
have sped up the need to make structural adjustments with regard to technologies, products, fibers,
energy and interdependent relations among all countries and regions throughout the value chain. It
is the common task of all textile nations and regions to confront a wide range of important issues
concerning economic developments, interdependent relations and mutually beneficial cooperation.
The 2009 ITMF Annual Conference will provide opportunities for in-depth presentations and
discussions on all these aspects of the general theme, with the aim of promoting mutual
understanding, enhancing cooperation and creating new prosperity for the world textile industry.
CNTAC is pleased and honored to host the conference; and believes convening in China will
help participants better understand the challenges the global textile industry is facing today and
in the future and thus develop strategies for successful adaptations.
The Oriental Pearl – at 1,535 feet, the tallest television tower in Asia – stands
beacon-like over the city of Shanghai.
China’s Most Important Industry Sector
The textile industry, serving as a pillar industry in China, plays a significant role in
providing employment, meeting huge domestic demand, and promoting trade and economic cooperation.
In the three decades since opening up and reform policies were introduced, China’s textile industry
has developed into a highly globalized, market-based industry, following a new roadmap focused on
upgrading its technology, providing good profits, and reducing resource consumption and
environmental pollution as well as making full use of its human potential. The industry is working
to enhance the share of upgraded technology and brands in the industrial value chain, with the goal
of increasing quality, innovation, quick response and social responsibility. China endeavors to
carry out the opening up and reform measures and broaden international cooperation, aiming to
maintain a fast but healthy growth of its textile industry.
Ancient Culture
China is an ancient civilization with brilliant multi-ethnic cultures and traditions. To
date, 37 natural and cultural locations in China have been listed as World Heritage sites by the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. This cultural heritage possessed
by the country’s 56 ethnic groups attracts visitors from around the world. The phenomenal rise of
contemporary constructions, harmonious coexistence of old and new in the vibrant cities,
well-preserved ancient cities and towns, and prehistoric sites illustrate China’s modern prosperity
and historical origins.
July/August/September 2009