Textile Arabia exhibition opens

Textile Arabia, with 120 national and international exhibitors showcasing apparel, machinery, clothes and latest equipment and technology from Germany, Italy, France, Pakistan, the UAE, Taiwan and other countries, opened on Tuesday.
The inaugural exhibition, which ends on March 28, was opened by Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) Vice Chairman Mazen Batterjee at Jeddah International Centre for Forums and Events.
The exhibition, which has the participation of businessmen and investors, and especially those interested in textiles, is organized by Al-Harithy Company for Exhibition (ACE) in cooperation with the JCCI.
Batterjee said such exhibitions contributed to the development of the Kingdom’s textile industry.
“I am honored to be here at this exhibition as many local talented youth are taking part. This should open up opportunities for local manufactures. This industry has very positive future,” he added.
The size of ready-made clothes and textiles market in the Kingdom is estimated at SR10 billion. The Saudi market imports over 85,000 tons of textiles and readymade garments, 90 percent of which is imported from Italy, France, Thailand, Taiwan and China, in addition to some Arab countries.
Zahoor Siddique, vice president of ACE, said: “The creation of this important new exhibition for the country’s textile industry comes as manufacturers are preparing to make massive investments and because the Saudi textile market is experiencing unprecedented growth created by the explosion in population and the huge surge in the property market.”
Textile Arabia focuses on the immense market potential as a comprehensive event representing all areas of the transport, import/export and manufacturing cycle.
The dedicated textiles machinery and accessories show is a one-stop shop for decision-makers within a wide range of businesses. These include textiles and fabrics, fibers and abayas, thoubs and ghuthras, leather goods, home furnishings, textile dyes and treatments as well as machinery and related services.
Mohammed Al-Shehri, chairman of the textile and clothing committee at JCCI, said: “The aim of this exhibition is to introduce the techniques and modern production methods that are used internationally and to boost the national industry by opening doors for new job opportunities for the youth in this sector and enhance their competitiveness in the garments’ sector.”
According to Al-Shihri, the size of the Saudi textile market is estimated to be more than SR10 billion; textile imports are increasing at 13-15 percent annually. Ihram for men and abayas for women form a large section of this expanding market due to the increasing number of Haj and Umrah pilgrims. Tents and towels are also in great demand.
Textile Arabia will be open daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.