“ITM 2022 was A Milestone to Increase Confidence in the Future”
Alessandro Zucchi, ACIMIT President
Lots of Italian textile machinery manufacturers came together with Turkish textile companies at ITM 2022 this year. We interviewed with ACIMIT President Alessandro Zucchi for the Tekstil Teknoloji Magazine.
Can we listen from you about the importance of the Turkish Market for Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers?
The important role that Turkey plays in the international textile and clothing industry has made the Country one of the world’s leading markets for textile machinery. In particular Turkey is the second foreign market for the Italian textile machinery manufacturers behind only China. Most of the 300 Italian manufacturers in the sector export to the Turkish market. In 2021, Italian exports to Turkey reached a value of 269 million euros.
Think about the year 2020, when the pandemic was so strong and everybody was really effected. The only country that did not slow down the investments was Turkey. So, I can say that most of our companies have overcome these difficult times thanks to the Turkish investments during this particular period.
How many ACIMIT members are participated at ITM 2022 this year?
The number of Italian companies directly participating to ITM Exhibition is approximately 28 and if I am not wrong, around 130 companies from Italy are here at the ITM 2022 through their representatives in Turkey. I think it is the most represented country participating in this exhibition. This demonstrates how much the Turkish market is important for Italy. But not only this, because Turkey is located at a perfect area that gathers all the Mid and west part of the world.
How did the Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers prepare for the ITM 2022? Could you tell us about the latest technologies they exhibited at the exhibition?
ITM 2022 edition comes after the pandemic period, so there is much eagerness on the part of Italian manufacturers to meet again with the many textile companies that will visit the show. Italy’s textile machinery supply is among the most innovative in the world.
What are the expectations of Italian Textile Machinery manufacturers from the ITM 2022?
The expectations are certainly good. Despite the climate of uncertainty prevailing in the international economic scenario, Italian manufacturers at ITM expect to find Turkish textile companies willing to invest in new technologies.
What would you say about the contributions of the ITM 2022 to the textile industry?
ITM 2022 has always been one of the most important trade shows for the textile machinery industry. All the more so in this year that marks a resurgence of trade shows in the presence. I believe ITM can be a turning point for the whole textile industry and for increasing confidence in the future for both exhibitors and visitors. Everybody was expecting this exhibition after such a long break. So certainly, the contribution will definitely be really high.
What did the changing economic and industrial approaches with the pandemic teach the textile industry? What will be the future steps of the textile industry?
The pandemic was a world-changing event whose consequences will last for several years. Economically, the pandemic caused a supply shock that has not yet ended. The textile industry was also affected: higher supply costs, the supply chain breaking down, raw material shortages, etc. Energy saving, consumption reduction, resource optimization are priority choices for textile enterprises in the coming years.
Interview: Dilek HAYIRLI