The Australian Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (AEEMA) has forged links with the Communications and Information Network Association of Japan (CIAJ) to develop business relations between Japan and Australia in electronics and ICT.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed at a meeting of the 11th World Electronics Forum (WEF) attended by AEEMA, CIAJ and kindred associations from some 20 other nations with interests in the global electronics industry.

The MOU includes the exchange of information on ICT and electronic technology through the internet, monthly publications, business directories and other relevant publications. It also involves establishing a link between Japanese and Australian companies to match-make potential joint-venture partners in electronics and ICT projects.

AEEMA president Christopher Janssen said, “This MOU will further strengthen the relationship between AEEMA, its members and the high technology industry in North Asia, where Japan is a leading player.”  He also said, “Over the past few years, through interaction at the annual WEF meetings, AEEMA and CIAJ executives had developed an excellent working relationship, and I am confident that the two organisations would now be able to develop some excellent outcomes from this MOU, particularly in the areas of mobile telecommunications, telematics, and broadband deployment”.

According to AEEMA, the MOU is timely as Australia and Japan have recently agreed to a feasibility study for a free trade agreement between the two countries. AEEMA chief executive, Angus M Robinson, said that he believes that AEEMA and CIAJ can play an important role in working together to address some of the industry issues related to this study.