The Swiss textile machinery industry, represented by the Textile Machinery Division of SWISSMEM, is strongly export-oriented and has a presence with its own companies, sales and service organisations in all the worlds key markets. Cornelia Buchwalder, Secretary General, spoke to the Editor of The Indian Textile Journal, in an exclusive interview.
Editor: What is the scope of Swiss companies in Chinese market?
Cornelia Buchwalder (CB): The Chinese market is crucial for the vast majority of the Swiss companies. This is also highlighted in the presence of ITMA Asia. When looking at the exports of Swiss Textile machinery from Switzerland, in the first quarter of 2014, textile machines with a value of $39.9 billion were exported to China. This is a plus of 18 per cent, compared to the first quarter of 2013. But this is just part of the picture. Many of our members have a local presence in China, be it with sales or service centres of full production sites.
Editor: How do you view the market vis-a-vis Indian market for the future growth?
CB: India is an important market for our industry. Regarding exports from Switzerland, it is the third important country, after Turkey and China. But export development for our industry is currently slower in India than in other markets. It lowered by 12.8 per cent versus the first quarter of 2013.
Editor: How many companies are participating and make a comparison with previous editions?
CB: There are 28 Swiss companies participating at ITMA Asia. This is around the same participation as in 2012. Our members offer products and solutions along the whole textile chain – from spinning to weaving, embroidery, printing to quality control systems. This means that Switzerland has a good presence at the event. One can find more info at the stall of the Swiss Textile Machinery Association.
Editor: What is the highlight of your participation?
CB: The Swiss Textile Machinery Association offers to the visitors on our booth a photo shooting "in Switzerland". This activity is strongly linked to our Factor campaign, which highlights the advantages of the solutions that this Swiss industry offers.