Successful innovation needs a foundation of experience and expertise, and the UK textile machinery firms are known for their leadership in technology development in all areas of textile production," says Alan Little, Director of British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA).
Editor: What is the scope of British industry in Chinese market?
Alan Little (AL): China has always been an important market for UK built textile machinery due to its quality, reliability and just as important the after sales service that goes with it. Not only service in machinery care but also in process and production know how. In 2013, exports of UK manufactured textile machinery increased by 186 per cent compared with 2012, and so far this year the trend is set to continue.
Editor: How do you view the market vis-a-vis Indian market for the future growth?
AL: This is difficult to estimate at the moment since UK exports of textile machinery into India fell during 2013 by about 15 per cent compared to 2012. In monetary terms the value of exports into India is less than 10 per cent of the value delivered into China.
At the moment India does not have the same amount of exposure to the multi-national textile outlets as China. These outlets demand that their products are produced on quality equipment, quality breeds quality, I believe this is set to change and that India will increase its market share.
Editor: How many companies are participating and a comparison with previous editions:
AL: UK companies participating in ITMA ASIA CITME have remained fairly constant with only a very small reduction in total area (approx 3 per cent).
Editor: What is the highlight of your presence in China?
AL: The fact that many Chinese textile producers are moving their facilities to neighbouring countries to take advantage of cheaper production costs, has not had an adverse effect on UK exports into China.