Apparel Online Bangladesh Magazine February Issue 2019 | Page 20

EVENT REVIEW Dhaka plays host to major technology events at the start of 2019 › › With over 500 exhibitors, Garmentech and 3 other concurrent shows witnessed 17,000 visitors DTG and BISMA held exhibition for textile supply chain Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, Minister of Industries and other dignitaries inaugurating the events (18th Garmentech; 2nd Printing & Packaging International Expo; 10th Yarn & Fabrics Sourcing Fair; and 10th GAPEXPO 2019) B angladesh’s four prominent international trade shows for garment and textile industry that were held concurrently – 18th Garmentech; 2nd Printing & Packaging International Expo; 10th Yarn & Fabrics Sourcing Fair; and 10th GAPEXPO 2019 proved quite fruitful to the exhibitors as well as visitors. Held recently from 17th to 20th January, together under one roof at International Convention Centre, Bashundhara (ICCB), the shows were spread over 10 halls. Nearly 510 companies from more than 24 countries displayed their latest product offerings. As per the organisers’ record, 17,451 visitors attended the shows. Zakaria Trade and Fair International; ASK Trade and Exhibitions; and Bangladesh Garment Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA) organised these events. Likened to a ‘mini ITMA’, this year, DTG 2019 boasted the largest scale in its 16-year history, with 1,200 brands using 1,650 booths, or 30,000 sq.m. in space, to display their latest products, up by 25 per cent on year. The expositions were inaugurated by Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, Minister of Industries, along with other dignitaries. Nurul appreciated the efforts of Bangladesh entrepreneurs and assured full support to the garment industry. Industry representatives like Abdul Kader Khan, President BGAPMEA and Md. Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, President, FBCCI, raised various issues about the industry. One of the prominent issues with respect to power was in terms of quality, connectivity and predicability. Bigwigs of apparel manufacturing technology like Jack, Juki, Brother, Pegasus, Gerber Technology, Eastman, Richpeace, Highlead and Euromac were upbeat about the rising trend of automation in the country and the same could be seen in the products being showcased at their booths. All of them had a plethora of products on display, right from basic technology 20 Apparel Online Bangladesh | FEBRUARY 2019 | www.apparelresources.com to high-end special machines, capable of performing critical operations with minimum human intervention and maximum productivity. Most of the technology suppliers, with whom Apparel Online’s technical team met, were convinced that rising wages in the country will further make garment exporters invest more in automation. “Garment exporters have no other option than moving more towards automation and, to capitalise on the same, we are reinforcing our R&D division. We will add whole automatic trousers and chino pants’ technology within our product basket and will promote ourselves not just as denim technology providers but as all kinds of bottoms’ seller,” said Johan Grieten, Manager Development & Member of the Board, Euromac. Moreover, Indian companies like IIGM, Cheran Machines, DCC, Winsome Yarns Limited, GTN Industries were