“Shanghaitex showcases the right technology for competitive advantage.” Stanley Chu, Chairman Adsale Group, Organiser of Shanghaitex

Q. This year again Shanghaitex is a well organised event. Has this edition of this important exhibition met your expectations?

The turnout is above our expectations. Late last year we were very worried about the  world economic downturn and the financial crisis and the adverse impact this would have on our show. Especially for the last year for the first time China had a negative growth of textile exports It is a very serious situation with the economic downturn of the United States, the major export market of China. Luckily the Chinese government has taken remedial steps to rectify the situation.

Firstly the government has invested about US$ 4 Trillion to stimulate the domestic demand. Population of China is more than 1.3 billion and therefore the  stronger Chinese domestic market is to compensate for the loss in exports. And also including increasing export tax rebate from 14% to 16%.  The companies investing in machines can avail tax reduction. So all these incentives and measures will eventually help out.

Textile companies all over are striving to produce competitively.  Pricing is very important as well as the quality.  Therefore they need cost effective machinery which Chinese machinery makers can provide them. Chinese machines can now compete in terms of quality and price with major European brands. Countries with competitive advantage will do well in the textile business in the future.

Q. What is your opinion about another leading machinery exhibition such as ITMA ASIA taking place in the same venue within a short span of one year.

I believe that this decision has negatively affected Shanghaitex. Do we really need exhibitions on such a large scale so frequently in the same city?  This is indeed questionable.  Shanghaitex is a twenty five year old  exhibition which is very well established in the country. We already have an event in the country, Shanghaitex and when a new  exhibition comes with the premise that it was established to cut down the number of events, the reality is that another event has been added to the calendar. But I understand that China is a very important market and therefore they are here.  I  assume that since ITMA Asia is not specific to China it will be rotating around Asia between different countries while Shanghaitex will remain an international show but mainly for the Chinese market. We have been organising Shanghaitex every two years and we will continue to do so. The government also believes that Shanghaitex is a home grown important Chinese event and that it should be protected and maintained.

Q. Congratulations on your selection  as a Vice Chairman of UFI. Could you tell us about
Ufi and what it stands for?

UFI is the leading international association of the exhibition industry. It is a one hundred year old association with their headquarters based in Paris comprising of exhibition organisers and venues from all over the world.

It can be called the United Nations of the exhibition industry and I am the first Vice Chairman of the Asia Pacific Chapter which covers China, Taiwan, India, Pakistan, Singapore Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and other countries. In my capacity as the Vice Chairman, I would like to contribute more to the Asian exhibition industry which in my opinion has a very bright future.u