Thrilling resumption of business operations in China Interview with Mr.Charles Beauduin,ITMA Services Chairman

CHINA TEXTILE: Do you have confidence in textile machinery market in 2023? What are your expectations for this exhibition?

Charles Beauduin: The manufacturing in—dustry is pivoting to digitalisation and automation,and sustainable production—oriented develop—ments.Although there are economic headwinds,it is inevitable that the textile and garment indus—try has to modernise their production and to inno—vate better products.The staging of ITMA series of exhibitions is timely and will spur investments in more innovative technologies.

CHINA TEXTILE: What do you think of the future development trend of textile machinery industry?

Charles Beauduin:The twin drivers for the future development of the textile machin—ery industry will be digitalisation and sustain—ability.The industry is also taking one step further to focus on circularity in order to create a more resilient ecosystem by reducing waste and maximising resource efficiency.

CHINA TEXTILE: Do you have any suggestions for ITMA ASIA+CITME held in China in November 2023?

Charles Beauduin:We are excited that China has reopened for business.The com—bined exhibition which takes place in Novem—ber is attracting more interest from textile ma—chinery manufacturers.When the exhibition opens,visitors will be able to explore a wide range of the latest machinery and solutions for the textile industry.

CHINA TEXTILE: What do you think is the biggest challenge that the global textile industry faces?

Charles Beauduin:The biggest challenge that the industry is facing is sustainability.The textile and garment industry is under immense pressure from government regulators and environmentally conscious consumers to be more responsible.

Textile and garment makers need to shift towards more sustainable manufacturing and greater transparency.Innovative textile technologies focused on reducing water,chemical and energy consumption,as well as reducing carbon emissions are needed to overcome this challenge.