Singapore confirms its position as a regional hub
After almost two decades, ITMA Asia + CITME returned to Singapore for the first time since 2005 — and expectations were high. There was curiosity, some uncertainty, and a shared sense that this edition would test whether Singapore could once again serve as a key meeting point for Asia’s textile industry.
From 128 to 31 October, the city proved to be an excellent host. Efficient logistics, easy visa procedures, and Singapore’s trademark organization made everything run smoothly. The fair attracted a wide range of professional visitors from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, and Malaysia. All countries from a region that is increasingly strategic for the European and Spanish textile technology industries.
CEMATEX and its Chinese partner CITME expressed their satisfaction with the results of this edition. The Singapore Expo offered excellent conditions for both exhibitors and visitors, and the European presence stood out — particularly from Spain and Italy, whose visibility was strong across the venue’s signage and promotional materials.
Strong Spanish representation coordinated by amec amtex
Fifteen Spanish companies showcased their latest textile technologies under the coordination of amec amtex. During the exhibition, amec amtex organized a networking meeting among the Spanish participants, a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences, market insights, and strategic views on the region. The group left Singapore stronger, connected, and with clear ideas for future actions.
Singapore: a gateway to Southeast Asia
As part of the mission, amec amtex met with Spain’s Commercial Counsellor in Singapore, who shared relevant macroeconomic data and perspectives on the ASEAN region, a market of over 680 million people with one of the fastest-growing middle classes in the world. Spanish exports to the main ASEAN countries in 2024 (in million euros) were:
Country | Exports in million € |
| Singapore | 1,11 |
| Philipines | 912 |
| Thailand | 672 |
| Malasyia | 625 |
| Vietnam | 530 |
| Indonesia | 456 |
Singapore stands out as the leading destination for Spanish exports in the region. Not only for its purchasing power but also for its role as a trade, logistics, and investment hub. Its advanced infrastructure, stable business environment, and strong financial system make it the preferred base for regional operations.
Many industrial and investment decisions affecting Southeast Asia are made from Singapore, particularly in industries such as electronics, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and high-value textiles. Malaysia, for instance, concentrates a significant share of textile and garment production, but much of the strategic direction, financing, and innovation behind it is managed from Singapore.
This dual dynamic, a service-based economy in Singapore and a manufacturing backbone in neighbouring countries, creates a powerful ecosystem where European technology, including Spain’s, can play a key role in advancing automation, sustainability, and digitalization in the textile sector.
In short, ITMA Asia + CITME Singapore has underlined the region’s vitality and Spain’s growing role within it with amec amtex and its member companies ready to keep building bridges between Europe and Southeast Asia’s fast-evolving textile markets.
