VDMA Textile Machinery represents around 140 manufacturers of machinery, equipment, components, accessories and software for producing textile materials – from spinning to producing textile fabrics and finishing. They represent about 90 per cent of the total industry volume in Germany. Speaking to Textile Focus a Bangladesh-based one of the leading textile magazine, VDMA Textile Machinery Association’s Managing Director Dr. Harald Weber says he expects to witness a good response of textile machinery at ITMA Asia 2024 in Shanghai if the global economy is slow.
Textile Focus: How do you see the ITMA Asia Expo and how many VDMA members joined?
Harald Weber: The over 40 exhibiting VDMA members gave the show a good overall rating. Although facing a weak global economy, the mood at the trade fair was good. The relatively low expectations were exceeded in many cases. Some companies are seeing small signs that businesses could pick up again. Last year was the first ITMA ASIA after the Covid pandemic. Many visitors came probably just to maintain the dialogue with technology suppliers. This year, the situation was slightly different. According to exhibitors, ITMA ASIA 2024 saw more talks about more concrete projects.
Textile Focus: What are your expectations about the Bangladesh Market?
Harald Weber: Even in 2023, when the global textile machinery exports declined, German shipping to Bangladesh was well above 50 million Euros. Throughout the last years, Bangladesh ranked among the top five markets in Asia for the German textile machinery sector.
I am convinced that there will be no shortage of chances and opportunities in Bangladesh in the years to come.
Textile Focus: What are your future plans for VDMA?
Harald Weber: The next big project is ITMA ASIA 2025 in Singapore. A strong German participation is expected.
VDMA initiated an Official German Pavilion with two sector group stands “Spinning” and “Finishing”. More than 25 companies have registered so far for the sector group stands.
Apart from ITMA ASIA, VDMA is planning business initiation trips to Egypt and South Africa, where German textile machinery companies can demonstrate their technologies, deepen existing customer relations, and establish new ones.
