ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026 is scheduled for 20 to 24 November 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai, China. Jointly owned by CEMATEX and Chinese textile-industry bodies, it is the largest textile machinery exhibition in Asia, covering spinning, weaving, knitting, nonwovens, dyeing, printing, finishing, garment making and automation.
Indian passport holders attending for trade generally apply for a China business (M) visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in India. A fair registration or buyer invitation supports the application.
The event
About ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026
ITMA ASIA + CITME brings together machinery builders from Europe, China, India, Japan and elsewhere with mill owners, technical directors and procurement teams from across Asia. Recent editions have added sectors for textile-reinforced composites, recycling technology and digital production platforms.
India is one of the world’s largest buyers of textile machinery. For Indian spinning, weaving, processing and garment companies, ITMA ASIA is a concentrated trip to compare machines, automation and running costs before capital investment, and to meet suppliers and agents.
Plan the visit
Date and venue
National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC)
Shanghai, China
ITMA ASIA + CITME is held every two years, alternating with the global ITMA in Europe. Confirm the exact halls, the registration process and daily opening hours on the official ITMA ASIA website before booking travel.
Across the show floor
What visitors can explore
Spinning & yarn machinery
Fibre preparation, spinning, winding and yarn-processing equipment.
Weaving, knitting & nonwovens
Weaving, warp and circular knitting, and nonwoven production lines.
Dyeing, printing & finishing
Pre-treatment, dyeing, digital printing and finishing machinery.
Garment making, automation & software
Cutting, sewing, automation, and mill-management software.
Product groups reflect the show’s published profile and can change between editions. Check the official website for the confirmed hall plan and exhibitor directory.
Business value
Why Indian businesses should attend
Compare spinning, weaving, processing and garment machinery side by side, see equipment running, and discuss specification, output and service directly with manufacturers and agents.
ITMA ASIA also gives Indian textile businesses a clear read on where the industry is heading — automation, energy and water efficiency, digital printing, recycling and man-made-fibre processing.
Before you fly
How to register
- 1
Register online
Register as a trade visitor on the official ITMA ASIA + CITME website with your professional and company details, and save your confirmation or e-badge.
- 2
Request a letter for your visa file
Where the organiser offers a visa-support or invitation-letter service for registered visitors, request it early and keep it with your application documents.
- 3
Carry business identification
Bring your passport, registration confirmation, an employer covering letter and business cards to the venue.
For Indian passport holders
China Business (M) Visa for ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026
China requires Indian passport holders to obtain a visa before travel. Trade-fair and sourcing visitors generally apply for a business (M) visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in India, supported by a fair registration or buyer invitation. China operates several visa-free and transit schemes that change frequently, so confirm whether any applies to your itinerary.
Commonly required documents
- Passport valid at least 6 months with blank visa pages
- Completed visa application form and a recent photograph
- Fair buyer registration or invitation confirmation
- Invitation letter from a Chinese trading partner, where available
- Confirmed air tickets and hotel bookings
- Indian employer’s covering letter and company proof
An invitation letter and expo registration support an application but do not guarantee approval, and processing times are not fixed. The final decision rests with the Chinese authorities.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Which visa do I need to attend ITMA ASIA + CITME from India?+
Indian professionals attending for trade and sourcing generally apply for a China business (M) visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in India.
Can the organiser provide a visa invitation letter?+
The organiser commonly issues registration and invitation documents to overseas trade visitors, which support a business visa application. Check the current process on the official ITMA ASIA website.
Is ITMA ASIA + CITME open to the general public?+
No. It is a trade-only exhibition for the textile and garment machinery industry.
Does expo registration guarantee visa approval?+
No. Registration and invitation documents support the file, but the Chinese authorities make the final decision and processing times are not fixed.
How early should I apply?+
Apply as soon as your travel is confirmed. Allow time for document preparation and appointment availability before the fair.
