BTMA was one of the first organisations to arrange a mission to China following the removal of the 'bamboo curtain'. This took place in 1970. Sincethen constant contact has been maintained with representatives of the Chinese textile industry with visits taking place at least once a year.

However since 1970 both the Chinese textile industry and the British Textile Machinery Industry have changed dramatically.

As far as the British textile machinery industry is concerned the large companies that formed such an important part of the industry in the early 1970s are no longer in existence whilst many of the companies that form the industry today do not have the resources to be able to dedicate the time that is needed to cultivate the Chinese market.

With this in mind BTMA has created a China Department, the head of which is a Chinese national who, until moving to the UK, was resident in the People's Republic.

So successful has the China Department been in promoting members' products that BTMA has now opened its own office in China. This was formally opened in May 1996 by the Right Honourable Michael Heseltine MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Madam Wu Wenying, President of the China National Textile Council. Financial assistance to help with this venture was obtained from the Department of Trade and Industry under its 'Export Challenge Award for Trade Associations'. This was a competition in which BTMA had to bid against other Associations for funds. Since the successful opening of the office, BTMA has been involved in over £2 million worth of business on behalf of its Members which represents 14% of all exports of Textile Machinery to China, based on 1996 figures.

In addition to commercially promoting the interests of members in China we are able to offer a complete range of subsidiary services. These include technical translations, which are undertaken by highly qualified individuals in the textile industry, so that complete accuracy can be guaranteed. In addition we are able to prepare all forms of printing material for members be it sales literature, display boards or business cards. This includes camera ready artwork.

We are also able to supply personnel to accompany delegations that members may have visiting them from China. The advantage of the personnel we are able to supply is they have technical knowledge and the misunderstanding of poor interpretation is greatly reduced.