China Textile and Apparel Trade Fair (CTAF) in November in Karlsruhe

The first ever independent trade fair project undertaken by the Chinese textile association in Europe

This year Karlsruhe will have another international trade fair added to its repertoire: the CTAF (China Textile and Apparel Trade Fair) is being held in Karlsruhe from 5 to 7 November.

Organisers of the event, which will only be open to visitors from the trade, are the sub-council of the Chinese textile industry CCPIT (CCPIT TEX) and the KMK (Karlsruher Messe- und Kongress-GmbH). CCPIT TEX represents the main Chinese producers of textiles and fabrics.
With its centrally situated Congress Centre the KMK prevailed against other German candidates for this trade fair première of the CCPIT. "Of decisive importance for the partners in China were Karlsruhe's locational advantages", said Gerald Böse, spokesman for KMK's management. The organisers brought to bear the economic strength of Baden-Württemberg as well as the infrastructure of Karlsruhe as a recognised region of technology. "Good links to transport and communication networks as well as the proximity to France, Austria, and Switzerland were key factors influencing the final decision as, besides Germany, China's main European export markets for its textiles industry are precisely these neighbouring countries", Mr Böse added. After having held similar successful events in New York for American buyers, this is now the first fair to take place at a European venue. On show are fabrics, home textiles, and collections of men's, women's, and children's garments. The event is aimed at visitors from large-scale forms of German and European trade, chain-store operators, and manufacturers in the textile industry seeking new cooperative partners. Conferences and workshops specific to the trade are being held parallel to the specialist fair.

The textile industry is considered one of China's traditional strengths. Since it became a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) its exports of textiles and garments have grown continuously. The Chinese textile industry's export share has meanwhile grown from approximately 96% (2003) to 98% (2005). When the textiles agreement was signed between China and the EU, a stable foundation of conditions was created for both partners' textile trades. "The Chinese textiles industry now needs an independent platform to show to European buyers its capabilities in design and quality and to present itself with a new image on European markets", said KMK spokesman Gerald Böse.

"The Chinese National Textile and Apparel Council CNTAC sees staging the CTAF 2006 in Karlsruhe as a focal point of its work. Initial polls carried out by the CNTAC amongst potential exhibitors met with great interest and support for the new project in Germany", said Xu Ying Xin, General Secretary of the Chinese textiles council.

CCPIT TEX is an experienced trade-fair organiser. So far the Council has organised more than 10 specialist textile fairs per year both in China and worldwide, at which practically the whole spectrum of the textiles industry have been represented. These include the CIMTE (China International Textile Machinery Exhibition), inter TEXTIL (China International Trade Fair for Apparel Fabrics and Accessories), interTEXTIL Home Textile, CHIC (China International Clothing and Accessories Trade Fair), and the China Textile and Apparel Trade Show (New York). This last fair has been taking place in New York for six years now in the Javits Congress Center in New York. It has been well-received by exhibitors and buyers in the USA and singled out by New York's city council for its outstanding contribution to bilateral textile trade and to economic relations. CCPIT TEX is incorporating the valuable experience gained at this fair into its events at other locations overseas. The KMK and Karlsruhe are now the first partners for this trade-fair theme in Europe.

Please direct press enquiries and requests for interviews with the KMK management spokesman Gerald Böse to:

Martin Wacker
Press and PR/Marketing Manager
Telephone: + 49 721 3720 5351