BUSH ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL HIGHLIGHTS U.S. TEXTILE TRENDS,
PRODUCTS & INITIATIVES AT HEIMTEXTIL 2003
Panel of Experts Discuss U.S. Textile Industry at World's Largest Textiles Trade Show

Jim Leonard, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Textiles, and U.S. textile industry leaders today kicked-off the world's largest home textiles trade show in Frankfurt, Germany with discussions on latest U.S. textile trends, products and initiatives. For the first time, the United States is the official partner country for Heimtextil 2003, underscoring its textile industry's contribution to the global industry.

"The U.S. textile industry continues to find innovative ways to maintain its competitiveness as a global player," said Leonard. "Heimtextil is an ideal venue to further promote U.S. textiles, create an awareness of our products and help create better access to international markets for our companies."

Leonard highlighted the state of the U.S. textile industry and discussed the Bush Administration's commitment to helping the industry remain globally competitive, including initiatives on textile promotion and intellectual property rights. In addition, U.S. textile industry leaders, designers and experts in bedding and furnishing products, fabrics, wallcoverings, floorcoverings, design direction and technical textiles discussed the latest trends and products in U.S. textiles and the importance of the industry to the U.S. economy.

The U.S. presence at Heimtextil indicates the industry's vibrancy and viability as a global player. As official partner country, the United States has also been given additional showcases, special events, extra signage and a reception gala that will all emphasize the importance of U.S. products, designs and fabrics from past and present.

The trade show will take place January 8-12, 2003. More than 80 U.S. textile home furnishings companies will be exhibiting their products to over 100,000 global buyers at the show.