“The increase in both exhibitor and visitor numbers confirms that not only is the regional fibre and yarn industry in good shape, but also that this fair is the best platform to take advantage of the growing potential in Asia, and in particular, in the domestic Chinese market,” commented Wendy Wen, Senior General Manager for fair co-organiser Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. “The increased presence from Indian and Pakistani exhibitors was noticeable, but it was also pleasing that five new countries were represented this year as well. This is something we expect to continue in the future.” Exhibitors at the fair were satisfied with the range of buyers that were present. “No doubt this is a good show; we have met buyers from China as well as Bangladesh, Japan, Korea, Italy, Germany and Turkey,” explained Asjad Khan, Master Textile Mills, Pakistan. This year’s Pakistan Zone featured 21 exhibitors, including yarn producers, Indus Dyeing & Manufacturing who were pleased with the buyer range. “Siro yarn is popular and also spandex, bamboo and melange at the show. We have had a lot of buyers from China, but also some from Turkey, Japan, Korea and Portugal,” said S. Abedin Ahmed Rizvi. “We are already selling a lot to China, but we can reach new buyers at this show, as well as introduce our new products to existing customers.” The Indian Pavilion contained over 50 exhibitors this year with a range of products on offer including dyed and fancy cotton yarns and natural fibres, varieties of single, twisted, compact, gassed, mercerised and crepe yarns for knitwear and weaving, as well as 100% cotton and linen yarns. According to K. Raju, the Regional Officer at pavilion organiser Texprocil, the overall feeling among participants was positive. “The response here has been good, and our members have been very busy these past few days,” he said. “This show is a good opportunity to explore the Chinese market, especially as trade between China and India is growing.” N.V.N. Sudheer from Sri Nrkr Textiles agreed. “This is an important trade fair to reach the Chinese market. But you can meet with buyers from all around the world here as well – this time we’ve had visitors from Japan, Korea and Taiwan too.” Kikani Exports’ K. Ravi had a similar sentiment. “Yarn Expo is an ideal place to meet our existing customers and also new ones. This year we have met with buyers from Belgium, Russia, China, Egypt and Korea.” Exhibitors from other countries were equally satisfied. “We had some good meetings with Chinese traders which we hope to turn into business,” explained Sarunas Jurcius from Lithuanian cotton supplier Imlitex. “We know that Chinese buyers are looking for our products so that’s why we are here.” First-time exhibitor Fico Group from Thailand was showcasing their yarn and lace products. “The visitor flow has been very good. Overall, we are satisfied with the results of the fair,” said Varin Khanijow. Exhibitors confirm demand still present in Chinese market Despite recent economic uncertainty and a slowing of growth in the domestic market, many exhibitors confirmed the huge potential that still exists in China. “We see large demand in the future because in many cases it is more affordable for Chinese firms to import rather than purchase locally,” explained Abhijit Gawad from Indian firm Texperts India. “Even though the economy has slowed overall, consumption here is still huge,” commented Rizwan Khan from Gul Ahmed Textile Mills, Pakistan, when asked about the potential in China.

Indus Dyeing & Manufacturing from Pakistan believes there is huge potential for siro yarn in China. “Because denim has strong demand in China now, siro yarn is very popular. We have had a good response to our products, with a lot of buyers visiting our booth.” Mariam Zehra from Dewan Textile Mills, also of Pakistan, agreed. “There is currently great demand for siro in China. Our main importer is China and 80% of our business is here, so we are optimistic about the market.”