After the global economic crisis in 2008 and 2009, the markets are booming, especially in Asia.
Since the first quarter of 2010, all Asian markets have shown improved economic results. This is
thanks to rising consumption in domestic markets such as China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and
Indonesia.
From June 22 to 26, 2010, ITMA Asia + CITME 2010 took place in Shanghai. Many exhibitors
confirmed the upswing and that the Asia-Pacific Rim is the most important market. Between 60 and 80
percent of their turnover is achieved in Asia.
The current global market situation as well as the outcome of ITMA Asia + CITME 2010 were
considered to be positive. However, there are some clouds in the skies: Some people even
articulated fear regarding the current market situation – that it could end up in a big bubble.
On the one hand, in spite of the unquestioned importance of the Asian markets in general, and
the Chinese market in particular, most exhibitors expressed their frustration with the concept of
ITMA. They argued that an ITMA Asia and an ITMA Europe every four years and in alternation with
each other would be enough to have a rhythm of two years.
The initial idea behind the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers (CEMATEX)
members creating ITMA Asia was to reduce the number of exhibitions, but the idea did not work as
planned.
Another problem to be solved is the endless discussion about copying machinery and
accessories. On some stands, even the color of the machine copy was the same as the original. The
official ITMA rules mention that only manufacturers of textile machinery and accessories are
qualified to take part in the exhibition. “All exhibitors must display original equipment on
their stand. To ensure strict adherence to this regulation, an on-site intellectual property
office has been set up to handle any intellectual property rights issues.” However,
Western exhibitors confirmed the fact and expressed their disappointment saying that their
machinery was copied and displayed on other stands. So the question of intellectual property rights
is not yet solved. Was it cynicism or just a capitulation when one Western exhibitor disputed the
notion that a copyright is the right to copy? Both CEMATEX and the ITMA Asia organizers are
challenged.
July/August/September 2010