One of the globalisation developments at the recent World Electronics Forum in Washington DC was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Australian Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers Associations (AEEMA) and the South African Electrotechnical Industries Federation (EIF) and Electrotechnical Export Council.
The implications of the agreement for the sectors in both countries are significant and include joint manufacturing, technology exchange, access to new markets, including working together on projects in other markets, with particular initial focus on South East Asia and North Asia as well as cooperation on standards. Interaction will be managed through the South African Technology Centre located at Monash University in Melbourne.
The MOU was signed for South Africa by Eileen Leopold, director of the Electrotechnical Export Council and representative of the Electronics Industry Federation.
"This is a significant development for South Africa," comments Leopold. "The sector in the United States has been fast tracked by the formation of an Alliance of all industry bodies in the sector. South Africa currently suffers from dilution and fragmentation caused by the fact that we have over 30 industry bodies in the sector, all with similar mandates and small budgets with which to achieve them. This agreement will stimulate more cooperation and collaboration that will lead to winning us a stronger position in world markets."
Said Advocate Dali Mpofu, EIF president: "This development will enable us to work with our Australian opposite numbers to further enhance our mutual skills and contribute to the growth of the global industry. We expect our collaboration to drive the industry to new heights of innovation."
One of the outcomes of the agreement is an active programme of member exchange visits. This will be started by a visit early in 2005 by Angus Robinson, AEEMA and ICT Australia chief executive. Collaboration on international trade fairs and exhibitions is expected to draw more attention to the electrotechnical sectors in both countries.
The government agencies of both countries will also be working closely together. These include Invest Australia, the Australian Trade Commission and the Victoria Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development with the South African Department of Trade and Industry and South African industry associations including the Electrotechnical Export Council. An important outcome of this cooperation will be a framework for the gathering and reporting of statistical indicators in each respective industry.
For more information contact Eileen Leopold, +27 (0)82 903 5638.
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