Italy takes part in Bandungtex

JAKARTA: Italian textile machinery makers are taking part in the international textile, garment machinery and accessories exp Bandungtex 2002, in Bandung, West Java, which was opened Wednesday, a release said.

Agusto Di Gacinto, trade commissioner of the Italian Trade Commission said in the release that at least 50 Italian companies were taking part in the event which would end on June 16.

The presence of Italian companies in the expo will give opportunities for interested Indonesian companies to find the right technology for their industry, he said.

Italian exports of textile machinery to Indonesia grew 58 percent to US$17 million in 2001 from $11 million in the previous year. Most buyers came from the spinning sector (64 percent) followed by the weaving sector (16 percent).

Textile is one of Indonesia's major non-oil and gas export products, while Indonesia is one of the main textile producers in Asia. The industry employs around 1.2 million people.

Bandungtex 2002 is the fifth exhibition. The previous exhibition was held in 2000, attended by some 23,000 operators and 567 exhibitors from 26 countries. -- JP