KARACHI: The Heimtextil exhibition in Frankfurt starts today with a large increase in the number of exhibitors and all indications suggesting that the new furnishing season will be a good one. The exhibition has seen not only a growth in its exhibition space, but also in the number of home textile exhibitors. Heimtextil is by far the largest event of its kind in the world. Pakistan will have 219 exhibitors, out of which 55 exhibitors are participating under the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan. This will make Pakistan the 4th largest country at the show behind Germany, China and India. The Pakistani Ambassador to Germany Jauhar Saleem will also be visiting the show. With regards to home textiles, consisting of bed sheets, towels and kitchen linen, Pakistan has a very strong position in the textile market. The biggest country with regards to home textiles in the exhibition is Pakistan. Premium exhibitors like Gul Ahmed, Kamal, Sapphire are participating in the exhibition. This year, the number of exhibitors from European countries has increased. Another highlight of the show is the attendance of delegations of students from Asian Institute of Fashion Design and Textile Institute of Pakistan. Over 2000 trade visitors from Pakistan are attending Heimtextil Frankfurt 2017. Klaus Gunether, a textile buyer who has been visiting Pakistan since the 70’s, expressed very positive views about Pakistan to media. He said, “Pakistan has a unique place in the heart of textile buyers. We know the entrepreneurs are very pro-active and reliable.” Gunether said that him and his associates were satisfied with their dealings with Pakistani businessmen and were happy that Pakistani companies have introduced new trends in 2017.