Written by: Behnam Ghasemi – Editor in chief
The selection of Singapore as the host for ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025 is a significant decision, especially for the textile machinery industries. This choice is noteworthy not only due to geographical and economic factors but also because of the ease of travel and accessibility to major Asian markets. In this article, we will examine the reasons behind this decision, analyze potential challenges, and assess the opinions of industry experts.
Why Was Singapore Chosen?
One of the primary reasons for selecting Singapore as the host for “ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025” is the ease of obtaining visas for visitors from different countries. Singapore is among the few countries that offer “visa-on-arrival or visa exemptions to over 129 nations”.
This feature is particularly crucial for visitors from countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Iran, and other Asian nations, where obtaining visas for European or even Chinese exhibitions can be challenging. Singapore’s visa-friendly policies can significantly increase the number of attendees, which is a key factor in ensuring the success of “ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025”.
Advantages of Hosting ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025
Beyond visa accessibility, Singapore also offers “superior business and accommodation infrastructure”. The country is known as a “global commercial and financial hub”, providing seamless access to major Asian markets.
Additionally, Singapore boasts advanced transportation networks, high-quality hotels, and world-class exhibition venues, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for both exhibitors and visitors.
According to data from the “ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024” website, the Shanghai-based event attracted more than 1,700 companies from 22 countries. As Singapore prepares to host “ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025”, its growing significance in the textile industry is evident. This move could position Singapore as a key hub for the textile sector in Southeast Asia.
Industry Experts’ Opinions on ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025
Industry leaders have expressed strong suppor for selecting Singapore as the host for “ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025”.
Mr. Alexander Zucchi about ITMA Asia + CITME:
“We are very pleased that, with the cooperation and support of the European Textile Machinery Manufacturers Association, ITMA Asia has become the largest and most important event for textile machinery in Asia. In 2024, over 1,700 companies from 22 countries participated, and following China, Germany, Japan, and Italy have secured the largest booth spaces respectively.
I believe ITMA Asia + CITME Singapore can be a successful event. Singapore is highly attractive for both visitors and exhibitors in many ways.”
“Alejandro Galleco”, Director of the “Spanish Textile Machinery Association”, stated:
“This is a well-thought-out decision by the European Textile Machinery Association and its Chinese partners. In recent years, trade shows have suffered from the absence of key industry executives due to visa and travel difficulties. Some exhibitors even consider participating in an event meaningless if their key customers cannot attend. Therefore, choosing a country that eliminates visa and travel barriers for industry professionals is essential. As the Spanish Textile Machinery Association, we fully support this decision.”
“Alex Mandel” from “Brückner” shared a similar perspective:
“ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025 is a great opportunity to revitalize the exhibition. In my view, ITMA ASIA + CITME has increasingly become a regional event. At the last edition in 2024, most visitors were from China, reducing the event’s international scope. By making access easier for visitors from various countries, Singapore can solve this issue. Given the growing number of textile trade shows worldwide, we carefully evaluate which events to participate in.”
“Gerd Paul Wienand” from “Trützschler” also expressed optimism:
“The increasing number of textile machinery exhibitions worldwide has its advantages. Every few months, you can attend an event in a different region, meet existing customers, and explore new business opportunities. I am very optimistic about ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025, and we plan to make a strong presence at the show and fully leverage its benefits.”
Meanwhile, “Fritz Legler: from “Stäubli” raised concerns:
“The number of textile machinery exhibitions has increased significantly. European textile associations and manufacturers must take serious steps to reduce the frequency of these events. Some exhibitions now take place less than a year apart, and companies cannot afford to attend all of them. This trend is becoming both time-consuming and financially burdensome.”
Challenges and Concerns
Despite its many advantages, hosting “ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025” presents certain challenges:
1. Limited Local Textile Industry Presence:
– Unlike major textile-producing nations such as India, Turkey, Italy, or Germany, Singapore lacks a strong domestic textile industry.
– Many industrial visitors prefer exhibitions hosted in major textile manufacturing countries, where they can tour local production facilities.
2. Declining Innovation in the Textile Machinery Industry:
– Many exhibition attendees feel that trade shows no longer showcase groundbreaking innovations as they did in the past.
– The shorter time intervals between exhibitions limit manufacturers’ ability to develop and introduce new technologies.
– Instead of revolutionary advancements, companies now focus more on system optimization, energy efficiency, and automation.
These factors may reduce the motivation of industry professionals to travel long distances for trade fairs.
Conclusion
In summary, selecting Singapore as the host for ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025 offers several advantages, including easy access to Asian markets, streamlined visa processes, and strong business infrastructure. However, the lack of a strong domestic textile industry could impact its attractiveness to industrial visitors.
Despite these challenges, Singapore’s unique strengths make it a promising venue for “ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025”, with the potential to further expand and strengthen the textile and textile machinery industries in the region.
About ITMA ASIA + CITME Singapore
ITMA ASIA + CITME Singapore 2025 offers an exceptional platform for textile and garment manufacturers to engage with leading industry players and explore new business opportunities in Asia. Held in Singapore, the event is a collaboration between CEMATEX and Chinese partners, combining the strengths of ITMA and CITME. ITMA, the largest textile machinery exhibition globally, has been held every four years since 1951, with its latest edition in Milan in 2023 attracting 1,709 exhibitors. CITME, China’s key textile event, has been running biennially since 1988. ITMA ASIA + CITME in Singapore marks a significant milestone in the region’s textile industry growth.
