For the first time ever in Iran, Switzerland's textile machinery manufacturers exhibited in their own pavilion at the recent Irantex show, under the umbrella of their representative body the Swiss Textile Machinery Association (Swissmem). A total of 13 Swiss companies took part, reinforcing the impact of their successful symposium in Tehran last year.
Companies taking their palces in the Show together with Swiss pavilion suggested they improved their business contracts and carried out a couple of prominent projects. "Feedback was very positive," said Cornelia Buchwalder, Secretary General of the Swiss Textile Machinery Association. "Our companies valued their participation and the quality of business contacts, and the exhibition provided an excellent follow-up to our Iran symposium in 2016."
Swiss firms exhibiting the Show are Jakob Müller, Benninger, Willy Grob, G. Hunziker, Staubli, Norsel, Retech, Heberlein, SSM, Luwa, Steiger Participations, Saurer, and Drop Chemicals.
Iran’s Industry Focuses On Technology
The reaction to the show from Benninger area sales director Peter Vormbruck typified the enthusiasm of the Swiss exhibitors: "We found that customer interest in high-quality and technology-driven machinery was very positive," he said. "There was even a strong desire to overcome the financial complexities to enable the Iranian industry to take advantage of the imported products. We were pleased to have some very open discussions on technology and opportunities in this important market of Iran."
Following the ending of most international sanctions on Iran at the start of 2016, there was a need to reintroduce and expand the financial and trade frameworks, to allow the Iranian textile sector to upgrade its technology levels. The 2016 symposium provided guidance on this issues via experts in the field, and this progress was continued at Irantex.
In this context, consultant Verena Utzinger attended the show to support both Swiss and Iranian partners. She outlined the work of SERV, the Swiss Export Credit Insurance organisation, which secures exports of Swiss companies against political and transfer risks, as well as payment losses, and provides additional liquidity for specific export deals.Markus Leitner, Ambassador of Switzerland, visited the Swiss pavilion and came together with attendants and he talked about the challenges and advantages in the Iran business.
