9 th World Electronics Forum Introduction and Overview Matthew Flanigan, TIA (USA) September 1, 2003 Canberra, Australia

2 Presentation Outline  Welcome  Overview of the WEF  Role of WEF / Associations  Policy Presentations at WEF IX

3 Overview of WEF  Founded in 1995  Voluntary gathering of worldwide electronics industries association leaders  Participants from every world region  Focus is on key issues affecting the global electronics industry (trade, environment, new technologies)

4 Overview of WEF  Thank you to our hosts, the Australian Electrical and Electronic Manufacturing Association (AEEMA)  We appreciate the hard work and attention to detail that has gone into planning this meeting

5 WEF in the Global Arena  Our industry is global in nature  International links continue to expand  For example, trade agreements: –Bilateral agreements (U.S. – Australia) –Regional agreements (Free Trade Area of the Americas – FTAA) –Global agreements (Doha Round of the WTO)

6 WEF in the Global Arena  Other realities bring us closer: –Our members and their customers provide products and services on a global scale –Communications networks and products must be available on demand –Supply chains for a single product may involve a dozen countries –We are moving from national and regional standards to international standards

7 WEF in the Global Arena  These realities highlight the need for organizations such as the WEF  The WEF provides the opportunity to: –Strengthen relationships –Exchange information –Establish common positions

8 Overview of Agenda  Today we have a full agenda: –Trade and Open Markets WTO Issues in the “post-Iraq” international environment WTO Implementation in China –Intellectual Property –Environmental Issues –New Technologies

9 Overview of Agenda  Today (continued): –Lunch in the Members’ Dining Room here at the Old Parliament House –Dinner at the Commonwealth Club hosted by Bruce Thompson, Chairman of the Australian Electronics Industry Action Agenda Implementation Group

10 Overview of Agenda  Tomorrow: –Report on the WEF Study –Future Shape of the Electronics Industry –Questions: Where are the next business opportunities? How do we transform our sectors to revitalize the economy? In what policy areas can we work together to have the most impact?

11 Overview of Agenda  Tomorrow (continued): –By asking questions, the WEF can “chase the market” –Identify trends and locate investment opportunities –Cooperation is crucial to encouraging growth, research and development

12 Overview of Agenda  Tomorrow (continued): –Visit the Australian high-tech corridor in Sydney –Participate in Australian Technology Showcase presentations –Visit the Australian Technology Park (Redfern)

Thank you to AEEMA for hosting WEF IX Panels will now begin.