T
he 2009 Annual Conference of the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)
will take place October 23-25 in China. ITMF and host member China National Textile & Apparel
Council (CNTAC) are expecting top-level delegates from all over the world to meet in the booming
city of Shanghai.
The general theme of the conference, “Structural Adjustments in the World Textile Industry,”
reflects the current state of the world textile industry, which faces various challenges – namely,
structural technological adjustments, short supply of resources, increasing obligations related to
environmental concerns, and global financial and economic challenges. The industry sees continuous
opportunities to upgrade its technology for reasons of both efficiency and ecology. In the past few
years, economic globalization and the instable world economic situation have sped up the need to
make structural adjustments with regard to technologies, products, fibers, energy and
interdependent relations among all countries and regions throughout the value chain. All textile
nations and regions are charged with confronting a variety of important issues concerning economic
developments, interdependent relations and mutually beneficial cooperation.
The 2009 ITMF Annual Conference will provide opportunities for in-depth presentations and
discussions on all these aspects of the general theme, with the goal of promoting mutual
understanding, enhancing cooperation and creating new prosperity for the world textile industry.
CNTAC is pleased and honored to host the conference, and believes convening in China will
help participants better understand the challenges the global textile industry is facing today and
in the future and thus develop strategies for successful adaptations.
The skyline of Shanghai’s Pudong New Area is dominated by the 1,535-foot-high Oriental
Pearl TV tower.
Textiles: China’s
Most Important Industry Sector
The textile industry, serving as a pillar industry in China, plays a significant role in
providing employment, meeting huge domestic demand, and promoting trade and economic cooperation.
In the three decades since China opened up and reform policies were introduced, its textile
industry has developed into a highly globalized, market-based industry, following a new roadmap
focused on upgrading its technology, providing good profits, and reducing resource consumption and
environmental pollution, as well as making full use of its human potential. The industry is working
to enhance the share of upgraded technology and brands in the industrial value chain, with the goal
of increasing quality, innovation, quick response and social responsibility. China endeavors to
carry out the opening up and reform measures and broaden international cooperation, aiming to
maintain a fast but healthy growth of its textile industry.
Ancient Culture
China is an ancient civilization with brilliant multi-ethnic cultures and traditions. To
date, 37 natural and cultural locations in China have been listed as World Heritage sites by the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. This cultural heritage possessed
by the country’s 56 ethnic groups attracts visitors from around the world. The phenomenal rise of
contemporary constructions, harmonious coexistence of old and new in the vibrant cities,
well-preserved ancient cities and towns, and prehistoric sites illustrate China’s modern prosperity
and historical origins.
For more information about the 2009 ITMF Annual Conference, including an online registration
form, visit
www.itmf.org.
September/October 2009
