AEEMA Supports SA Electronics Industry Vision

The Australian Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (AEEMA) highly commends the strategic plan for the SA electronics industry.

This plan was launched at the SA Electronic Industry Association's (EIA) annual excellence awards by the Hon. Rob Lucas MLC, South Australia's Treasurer & Minister for Industry & Trade.

The five year strategic plan, building a strong, globally competitive electronics industry in SA, has been developed over the past 10 months by the EIA, with assistance from the Dept. of Industry & Trade. The plan plots the SA electronics industry, envisaging it as one of the top three revenue-earning industries in the state by the year 2005.

"The EIA and the State Government have come up with a vision and list of strategies which AEEMA believes could, and should, be adopted and developed as a model that would enable progression of the national electronics industry," said Angus M Robinson, AEEMA's Executive Director. "Such vision and cohesive strategy are vital in order to realise advancement of the Australian industry as a whole."

The plan presents 22 priority actions, three of which are identified as flagship initiatives. These include the establishment of an industry growth and development fund, with contributions from both industry and governement to fund this plan; the creation of an industry leaders' forum to work with government to promote industry growth consistent with the plan; and the formation of an industry skills initiative to equip people to grow with the industry as outlined in the plan.

The SA electronics industry generated $2.1 billion in revenue for the year 2000 -a third of the State's total of $6.3 billion from manufacturing. Annual revenue is estimated to reach $5 billion by 2005. The industry exported almost $700 million in 1999/2000 and at 30% growth, export revenues should reach $1.0 billion during 2001, and $2 billion by 2005.

Item provided courtesy of AEEMA