The world's leading machinery manufacturers have gathered at the 1st Dhaka International Textile and Garment Machinery Exhibition-2004 at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel showcasing a wide range of state-of-the-art machinery.

The four-day show that began on Wednesday attracted a large number of visitors and prospective buyers on the second day. The exhibitors spent busy hours at their stalls exchanging views with the local businessmen.

"We got desired response from the visitors, mostly enthusiastic businessmen and entrepreneurs," said Israil Hossain of Techno Systems, local agent of Wellmade Enterprise Co Ltd which manufactures knitting machines.

He said most of the businessmen who visited their stall in the first two days showed their keen interest in the company's knitting machines and they would contact later. The Taiwanese company has its production plant in China.

"I went round almost all the stalls which are displaying embroidery machines. I have collected information about the latest products of different countries," said a businessman who has a handicraft industry.

"I have a plan to modernise my industry and for this I'm looking for modern machinery," he said adding that such exhibition should be arranged every year so that the businessmen can have access to the latest technologies.

Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) and Chan Chao International Co Ltd of Taiwan have jointly organised the show aiming to accelerate technological advancement in local textile industry.

A total of 69 exhibitors from 20 countries including Taiwan, USA, China, Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Japan, Korea, Singapore, India, Hong Kong and Czech Republic are participating at the exhibition.

The exhibitors are displaying textile and garment machinery, including embroidery and knitting machines, yarn and fabrics. The exposition will remain open to all from 10am to 6pm until tomorrow.