The India International Textile Machinery Exhibition Society (India ITME Society) will host the second edition of ITME Africa and Middle East 2023 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
The three-day event is scheduled from November 30, 2023, to December 2, 2023, and aims to showcase the latest advancements in textile machinery and technology, promote business networking, and encourage industry collaborations.
The event will bring together participants from over 23 countries worldwide, with more than 125 companies participating, allowing them to establish new business partnerships, explore emerging opportunities, and connect with the local textile industry to cultivate fresh custom leads.
The inaugural exhibition took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2019.
Industry State Department Principal Secretary Juma Mukhwana stated that the exhibition comes at an opportune time when more can be done in Africa since it is a frontier in manufacturing.
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He emphasized the significance of establishing stronger partnerships with the participating nations to enhance Kenya’s manufacturing sector.
In addition, he said the partnerships should align with Kenya’s vision of reducing and ultimately eliminating the importation of textile-related products.
“It is time that our Indian partners should now consider setting up factories and warehouses in Kenya as opposed to having more and more of these exhibitions,” he said.
He revealed that the government had already established a favorable environment for foreign investors to establish factories and warehouses in the country through supportive policies.
“It is duty-free to set up these factories and warehouses, the government is open to investments,” he said.
On his part, India ITME Society Chairperson Ketan Sanghvi noted that the four-day event will catalyze the modernization of the African Textile Industry.
He said it will also provide an opportunity to discover Kenya’s potential as a new business destination, in addition to the other participating countries.
“The exhibition will initiate a conducive business environment, promote trade agreements, and provide necessary support to encourage Textile Industry growth,” he said.
Further, he explained that the exhibition will encompass various formats, including seminars, panel discussions, technology presentations, and investment seminars.
Kenyan participants in the exhibition comprise entities such as the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA), Kenya Investment Authority (KENINVEST), and Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), among others.
