Call for action plan

The Australian Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (AEEMA) has called for industry support for urgent engagement in action agenda-led exporting initiatives, following the release of deteriorating trade figures.

Angus M Robinson, the AEEMA CEO, said that markets linked to the Greater China Region still offered Australian companies enormous export opportunities for electronics ICT industries.

"Market-facing, industry-led activity supported by government can be highly effective," says Robinson. "For example, the Electronics Industry Action Agenda has already delivered a significant strategic framework agreement with Taiwan. This landmark agreement links R&D collaboration, ICT manufacturing, strategic alliances, investment collaboration and trade facilitation activities between the major players in both countries," he adds.

Robinson said that this agreement was also underpinning the development of an exciting new industry—transport telematics—for Australia.

"Both the Taiwanese automotive and ICT/electronics industries are committing to link with Australia's innovation system to capture emerging opportunities in world markets," says Robinson.

He pointed to a recently released independent report which argued that AEEMA, through the Electronics Industry Action Agenda, provided the best model for shifting university discoveries into the commercial world.

"There is no doubt that Australian industry now needs to lead and innovate in market development," Robinson says. "Creating new industries such as transport telematics, medical devices, home networking, and mobile digital content is an imperative for Australia."

Robinson said he was confident that government would continue to provide much-needed support for industry identified opportunities.