2008 World Electronics Forum reaffirmed commitment to green technology and free trade

The 14th annual World Electronics Forum was held in New Delhi from 1-5 December 2008, at the backdrop of the worst ever terrorist attack the country had witnessed in recent times at Mumbai on November 26.

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

Ministry of Communications & Information Technology, Department of Information Technology, Government of India and the Council of Electronic Hardware Associations (CEHA), which is comprised of the Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association (CEAMA), the Electronic Industries Association of India (ELCINA), the India Semiconductor Association (ISA), the Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology (MAIT) and the Telecom Equipment Manufacturers Association of India (TEMA), hosted the event. 33 CEOs, Directors, and Delegates representing 8 countries and four continents, attended the 2008 WEF. Communications and Manufacturing Association of India (CMAI) provided support to the event.

Before commencing the deliberations, the 14th WEF delegates stood in silence for one minute in solidarity with the people who lost their lives or were hurt during the recent ghastly terrorist attack in Mumbai.

The 14th WEF was inaugurated by H.E. Mr. Prithviraj Chavan, Hon’ble Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office. Mr. Chavan, in his inaugural speech commended CEHA for hosting the WEF at such a critical juncture when, on one hand the global economy is passing through a challenging time and on the other there is global terrorism threat. He mentioned that India’s Electronics sector is going through a metamorphosis due to increasing demand of various IT, Telecom, Consumer and other electronic products.

The meeting provided timely and informative updates on the state of the global electronics industry; matters concerning sustainability and the environment at all stages of the electronics life-cycle; the importance of free trade to the ICT and consumer electronics industry; the future of telecommunications; the larger role played by emerging markets; a broad examination of the role of Electronics Associations in our present high tech era (including reports on specific national markets and unique services provided by associations); and information on the Indian high tech industry. Major themes and objectives from this session included a reaffirmation of our commitment to green technology and free trade and the larger role of the ICT and electronics associations in this high tech era.

Environment
WEF members reaffirm that eco-design must be promoted and manufacturers should consider the environment at all stages of production and throughout the entire product life-cycle. Producers should minimize pollution in the manufacturing process, reduce hazardous materials in products and coordinate and exchange best practices in this regard. Producers should also make sure that IT and electronics technologies will generate greater energy efficiency in all economic and social activities, contributing substantially to reducing the environmental burden. WEF members concluded by creating a working group, chaired by Parker Brugge of the Consumer Electronics Association, whose mission is to establish a set of high-level principles covering topics such as materials restrictions, energy use disclosures and best management practices, contribution of IT and electronics utilization to reduction of the environmental burden in a global scenario.

Trade
In the absence of strong trade promotion and enforcement, distortions in the market can affect pricing and manufacturing costs and can have an adverse impact on the ability of businesses to compete in the global marketplace. By promoting free trade, enforcing the trade rules and carrying out policies that establish a clear and cohesive rule of law, businesses are more adequately equipped to maneuver in foreign markets and make their exporting business as competitive and profitable as possible. WEF members agreed to pursue and support Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), stimulate the WTO/Doha Round, uphold and enforce Trade Agreements, including the maintenance and expansion of Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers to Trade.

The role of Associations in the High Tech era
The rapid pace of innovation and emergence of new technologies, the transition from analog to digital, and the pace of convergence and specialization offer significant opportunities across sectors in the ICT and electronics realm, as well as expanded choice for consumers and economic growth for the industry.

In view of the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving high tech environment, WEF members agree that ICT and electronics trade associations play an important and crucial role in providing education (to the consumer, to law makers, and for the enhancement of high tech professionals), and building platforms for individual and competing businesses to come together to exchange information and seek consensus as is required and legally applicable. We will seek to develop and implement action plans as are suitable for the benefit of the global ICT and consumer electronics industry. Indeed, it is incumbent on us all to marshal our respective resources to ensure continued growth and innovation in our industry.

The 15th Annual Meeting of the World Electronics Forum
The next WEF meeting will take place in October 2009 in Shenzhen, China. The hosts of the 15th WEF will be the China Electronic Chamber of Commerce (CECC) and Shenzhen Electronics Industries Association (SEIA).