KARACHI, April 20: Over 430 textile and garment machinery manufacturers from 29 countries and 70 local companies are participating in four-day International Garment and Textile Machinery (IGATEX 2004) exhibition being held from April 21-24, at Karachi Expo Centre.

The exhibition is expected to attract around 40,000 visitors, including 25,000 from textile and garment industry, the largest industrial sector of the country. The most fascinating aspect of the event would be that for the first time a large number of local textile machinery manufacturers would display their technology and try to attract buyers from within and outside the country.

On the occasion the local manufacturers of textile machinery would form their body to have a permanent place in the industry. Some of the manufacturers of the local textile machinery claim that their products could easily match with foreign branded machinery.

The Turkish representation will be the largest with 25 companies displaying their machinery and over 50 owners or their representatives would be present on the occasion.