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22 November 2005 GTMA Trade Mission to Beijing a Success
In October, the Gauge and Tool Makers Association (GTMA) conducted a trade mission to China that was supported by UK Trade & Investment funding. The busy schedule included attendance by delegates at the International Die and Mould Conference in Beijing, as well as site visits to mould and die companies in Beijing, Tianjin, and the industrial region of Botou. China is a net importer of mould and die products, although it has seen some 20% year-on-year growth in the sector over the past two years. The country’s voracious appetite for high-technology equipment has resulted in escalating imports of machine tools. However, this trade gap is closing; OEMs and Tier 1 companies may soon purchase more than 60% of their moulds and dies from East Asia, leaving Europe and the United States to compete for the remainder. The international nature of the market was highlighted at the conference in presentations by speakers from around the world, including Eduardo Beira, world general manager of ISTMA, Joaquim Menezes, ISTMA Europe president, and Julia Moore, GTMA CEO, who gave an insight into the situation of the UK industry. Said Moore: “If UK toolmakers are to survive and thrive in today’s global economy, it is essential that they understand the world market for their products.” Showing the UK toolmaking industry flag to potential foreign buyers is a vital service GTMA provides its members, she emphasized. “That is why we were so delighted to speak at the conference and to arrange the trade mission to China,” continued Moore. “We must seize the opportunities that this enormous economy can offer us, particularly in regard to collaborative projects, and we can only do that if we have some real knowledge of it.” The GTMA trade mission was composed of delegates representing the association, UK T&I, Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College, and GTMA members A.W. Precision Ltd., Pankhurst Tool & Die Co. Ltd., Portway Tool & Gauge Ltd., Waveney Precision Ltd., and Broanmain Ltd. For further information: Gauge and Tool Makers Association
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