92 per cent Texpo exhibitors plan to come back for next show

Organised by Expo Centre Sharjah, Texpo brings together the world's major manufacturers of machines used in the industrial garment making industry.

Since its inception a decade ago, almost every major brand of textile machines and technology has been represented at the exhibition, but now it has been decided to widen the scope of Texpo to make it a comprehensive industry event.

"In addition to machines and textile technology, the next edition of Texpo will have fabrics, accessories and readymade garments sections. This will attract more buyers and exhibitors to Texpo. We are aiming for a large overseas participation at the next exhibition," said Mr. Fasahat Ali Khan, Deputy Director General of Expo Centre Sharjah.

"The changes we are introducing are tailored to meet the requirements of the textile industry locally and at the regional level. Texpo will continue to be a major draw for machinery and technology suppliers, but at the same time it will also devote enough space for other related products that are used in the garment manufacturing industry. The idea is to provide a wide platform to all key players in the garments industry," Mr Khan pointed out.

Texpo's the 10th edition, held at Expo Centre Sharjah from 15 February to 19 February 2004, received a strong
vote of confidence from exhibitors as 92 per cent of participating companies expressed their keenness to return to the exhibition's next edition.

In a report compiled by Expo Centre Sharjah, the same number of exhibitors also said that they would recommend Texpo to other potential participants.

Texpo featured over 100 reputed international brands from 20 countries. It attracted a total of 3,110 trade visitors of which 1,541 came from GCC countries, 1,222 were pre-registered visitors and 347 visitors came from other countries.

According to figures provided by exhibitors, some $12 million worth of business was conducted at during Texpo. Most exhibitors indicated that they received good response during the show, but only 60 per cent exhibitors were willing to reveal the exact amount of deals.

Seventy-seven per cent exhibitors said they were satisfied with the turnout of visitors. "We are very pleased with the vote of confidence that Texpo has received from such a large number of exhibitors. The exhibitors were at Texpo to promote their latest machines and brands and they were successful in their efforts. However, we are looking at ways to add new features to the exhibition to make it more attractive to the textile industry players," Khan said.

Exhibitors said they were able to understand the Gulf market and made good business contacts using the networking forum launched at Texpo.

Texpo showcased the complete range of technology and products used by garment manufacturers. These included industrial & domestic sewing machines, knitting and hosiery machinery and accessories for the making up industry, pressing machines, industrial irons, ironing tables, embroidery machines, laboratory dyeing machinery, quality testing and measuring equipment, accessories, including machinery components, fasteners, threads, machine needles, raschel elastics, zippers, dyes & chemicals, tapes & ribbons, enzymes, softeners etc., yarns and fabrics, home textiles and more.