The 15th edition of Dhaka International Textile and Garment Machinery Exhibition (DTG) rolled out the red carpet at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Bangladesh on February 1, 2018. The technology extravaganza, which was inaugurated by the industry stalwarts, is hosting over 1,100 exhibitors from around the world.
Amidst all the excitement, the first day of DTG 2018 did not note the visitation as per everyone’s expectation in view of the political unrest between two of the country’s biggest political parties. Adding more to the already tensed atmosphere was the sentencing of five-year jail term to the three-time former Bangladeshi Premier Khaleda Zia. This forced many visitors to reschedule their plans.
However, as the day passed by, the political debacle failed to surpass the enthusiasm of the visitors who came to explore the latest innovations and technology put on display by various technology providers from around the world. On Day 1 of the 4-day fair, many visitors affirmed that Bangladeshi apparel manufacturers could only survive the ‘war’ if they carry the ‘automation’ armour with them.
Amongst the gamut of automation providers, Japanese knitting machinery pioneer Shima Seiki introduced its automatic cutting solution – P-CAM 223 for the first time in the Bangladesh market at DTG 2018. P-CAM 223 is another futuristic solution by the company that incorporates its patented 3D Apex and WHOLEGARMENT concepts. The Japanese pioneer is confident that the ‘concept’ will become a necessity in the next 4-5 years.
However, FKgroup, which is also presenting its latest technology at the expo, feels that the virtual designing solutions still have a long way to go. Sergio Gori, CEO, FKgroup told Apparel Resources: “Currently, the 3D solution works well with intimate garments but not for other apparel products. A lot has still to be done.”
While automation is one side of the coin, sustainability is definitely the other. Out there at the technology exhibition, Turkish washing solutions provider Yilmak claims that its washing machine RainForest 400 uses 50% less water and chemicals compared to others and the product is gathering a lot of attention of the visitors at the show.
Further, DTG 2018 is also witnessing participation of around six textile companies from India that are mainly displaying Polyester Cotton (PC), 100% cotton and other varieties of fabrics at the show. The huge Bangladeshi market and the growing competition in Indian domestic market propelled them to tap the neighbouring market for growth.
Currently, some of the exhibiting companies have a nominal business in Bangladesh and are constantly adding capacity. One such company is Pee Gee Fabrics from Mumbai (India), which offers 100% polyester fabric (made by imported Korean yarn) and 100% cotton fabrics. Present at the expo, GS Shukla, Director (Exports) of the company, who is enthusiastic about the Bangladeshi market told Apparel Resources, “It will, however, take some time to establish ourselves here (in Bangladesh) but we are confident of getting good orders from the country.”
The second day of the 15th DTG is witnessing an increase in visitation due to the weekend. More updates will be shared soon only on apparelresources.com!
