Foreign ICT industries agree on collaboration

During the 10th World Electronics Forum (WEF) recently, representatives of two WEF members, the Australian Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (AEEMA) and the South African Electronic Industries Federation (EIF), signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to foster collaboration between the two industry associations.

Both associations are committed to promoting and developing the electrotechnology and information and communication technology (ICT) industries in their respective domains. They have agreed to cooperate with each other in a range of industry development activities.

Speaking on behalf of AEEMA and its ICT Australia Division, Chief Executive, Angus M Robinson, said that he believed the MoU was significant for Australian companies because it broadened opportunities for international collaboration and mutual growth.

"AEEMA is very pleased to have initiated this relationship as it strengthens opportunities for companies from the ICT and electronics industries to gain access to new export opportunities in those markets other than Australia and South Africa," Robinson said.

"It is quite remarkable how both countries have a similar view of the challenges they face in growing new export markets for manufacturing products and services. Collaborating to compete is a very relevant strategy for industry growth, not only at the domestic level, but globally."

Eileen Leopold, EIF Director, said that the EIF would have liked to have had more of their executives present at the signing ceremony.

"Our EIF President, Advocate Dali Mpofu and his team are fully involved at present in producing the Information Communications and Electronics Technologies Industries commitment, to the South African Government and peoples, to economically empower black people in the ICT industry, in the form of an ICT Charter," Leopold said.

"This ICT Charter is a significant step forward towards creating growth, employment and ownership by previously disadvantaged people, and is now in the final stages of ratification after some two years of effort."

Speaking from his Johannesburg office, Advocate Mpofu said: "We particularly welcome this agreement at this time, as it will enable us to work with our Australian opposite numbers, further enhancing our mutual skills on both sides of the Indian Ocean, and hopefully contribute to the growth of our global industry. We expect to find a joint synergy between us which will springboard the industry to new heights of innovation."

Robinson also said that AEEMA and members companies looked forward to interacting with South African industry through the newly established South African Technology Centre situated at Monash University in Melbourne.

The World Electronics Forum (WEF) is a voluntary gathering of CEOs and Directors of electronics industries associations worldwide. Founded in 1995, WEF meets annually to discuss major topics of common interests to the various associations, exchange information on services and data and strengthen relations between associations for the benefits and services of its industries.

AEEMA is pro-active in developing strategic alliances with overseas kindred associations as an innovative means of building commercial partnerships for its members with the members of these industry associations. It also enjoys collaborative arrangements with a number of other WEF association members, which include the China Electronics Chamber of Commerce, the Electronic Industries Alliance (USA), and the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association.