Swiss textile machinery companies made a major impact at Itme, Ethiopia, February 14 to 16, 2020. The attractive design of the Swiss Pavilion made a positive impression. Machinery and knowhow from Switzerland offered the innovative and quality-focused boost that these markets can utilise to raise their competitiveness and broaden their appeal to international customers. Yarn processing and winding technology specialist Schärer Schweiter Mettler exhibited at the show and got an opportunity to meet customers from Ethiopia and surrounding countries, enabling SSM to better understand the requirements of customers in the growing East African market. Steiger, the manufacturer of flat knitting machines, attended and introduced its products. Steiger saw participation at this exhibition in Africa as an investment for the future. During the three days of the fair, Saurer was able to conduct many exciting discussions with customers and is already looking forward to its next participation. Rieter had good discussions with existing and potential customers and could generate new leads. Among the other Swiss exhibitors were Benninger, Jakob Müller, Hunziker, Grob, Loepfe, Bräcker, and Graf.

Ethiopia and neighboring East African countries are increasingly viewed as fertile ground for technological and commercial developments in textile production. The region is widely viewed as an emerging option for global apparel sourcing.