Focus on renewal and upgrading of supply chains Interview with Mr.Ernesto Maurer,President of CEMATEX

CHINA TEXTILE: What do you think of the Asian market in 2023?

Ernesto Maurer:Asia will continue to be the world’s largest textile manufacturing hub.I believe textile manufacturers are about to realize that they have to align their manufacturing processes with the global agenda on sustainability.The need to meet the stringent requirements demanded by customers and authorities will accelerate manufacturers towards more innovative manu—facturing processes.

CHINA TEXTILE: Are there any difficulties for European textile machinery companies?

Ernesto Maurer:We prefer to view the dif—ficulties as challenges and we would like to respond to them in a proper way.During the past three pan—demic years,European textile machinery manufac—turers focused on innovation and sustainability.

The combination of the two– also paired with digitalization — put the European compa—nies again at the top of their class.Many of our forward—thinking members already made sus—tainability a core business focus.

CHINA TEXTILE: Does European enterprises have any actions to expand its business in some emerging textile centers,such as Southeast Asia,Africa and other regions and countries?

Ernesto Maurer:European manufacturers are constantly exploring potential new markets.Whereas Southeast Asia has always been in focus,new emerging ones,such as the African continent are on the verge of becoming a very important player in tomorrow world of textiles.The pandemic has emphasized the dangers of over—reliance on one region or country for (almost any) business.

CHINA TEXTILE: Are you confident about the textile machinery market in 2023? Do you have any expectations for this exhibition?

Ernesto Maurer:The global textile machin—ery market is expected to grow.The COVID—19 pandemic has affected the entire supply chain of the textile industry for the last three years.There is a recognized need for alternatives to previously es—tablished singularities in supply chains.Therefore we expect a great interest in renewal and upgrades of these supply chains.