ITMA 2007 at Munich is beginning on a highly optimistic note: 1450 exhibitors have spruced up stalls to welcome over 1,00,000 visitors, a majority of them from Asian countries. Over 17 halls for eight days are expected to be brimful with footfalls, never before seen in the previous 14 ITMAs. Germany is upbeat and the textile machinery wing of VDMA, the premier association of industries exudes optimism. The CEMATEX stalwarts have reiterated their faith in the Europe's once-every 4-year mega event. This also has laid to rest speculation doing rounds in some quarters that the days of ITMAs in Europe are numbered. And the neighbourhood Turkey touting its ITM as the alternative for ITMA has been fuelling such speculation. Not only that, it is the growing popularity of ITMA Asia, being held at the vicinity of the newly-emerged markets of Asia that has been a cause of worry for the organisers. At this juncture, one should even recall the incident of some big companies pulling out of ITMA some years ago, though obviously for some other reason. But the prestige of ITMA seems to have been restored, and it all remains to be seen how far & serious the response will be from the visitors. 

Italy & Germany have re-affirmed their leading positions in textile machinery with the highest number of exhibitors of over 380 & 340 respectively. China with about only 60 exhibitors seems to be betting on the forthcoming event, ITMA Asia-CITME, when the combined forces of two great shows will display the strength next year in Shanghai. But for India with over 107 exhibitors, it is truly going to be a watershed year for the textile accessory segment, which has been growing leaps & bounds. The visitor's registration has also picked up, say sources and the final count is expected to be a new record. Overall, the enthusiasm is well founded since Germany known for its thoroughness has left no stones unturned to make this first-time-in Munch show truly a memorable one. Segmentation, new focus areas and importance to research bodies and educational institutes given for the first time afterall promise a big turnout. All one hopes is that with Indian Rupee growing stronger, it is high time the textile industry goes all-out for investment in capital goods.