It is hard to believe 2007 is almost part of history, and looking back over the year, and talking to various suppliers and manufacturers in the market, the attitudes are very positive, and upbeat, with most companies very content with their 2007 performance. This gels with the upswing that we have all seen in the South African import statistics for electronic components for 2006, and no doubt will reflect in the 2007 import figures as well.
We go into 2008 seeing a lot of opportunity for further growth, which bodes well for the industry and our country.
Investors seem optimistic about the economy. The 2010 world cup football tournament is creating a lot of interest, and investment, in South Africa, which brings with it many business opportunities.
At ADEC (Association of Distributors and manufacturers of Electronic Components), we have identified the need for an accurate means of measuring the electronic components distribution market in South Africa and its growth - a market estimated to be worth over $150 million. To this end, the ADEC committee is working towards generating a monthly report on the market. This report will be generated by an independent statistics company based in the UK, and will be presented in a similar format to most of the industry reports generated by various European countries. We will only succeed in achieving this, if we have a representative number of distributors willing to report their South African sales figures.
To help brand South Africa as an electronic systems manufacturing destination, ADEC, via its association with the international association (IDEA), is glad to offer the opportunity for ADEC members to showcase their companies at Electronica 2008, at a reasonable cost. I think this is a great opportunity for South African manufacturing companies to attract business opportunities from abroad.
While the volatility of the rand might create some challenges, a weak rand will help make us competitive in the world arena, so hopefully this can help build the image of South Africa in the world electronics market.
With the festive season upon us, I take this opportunity to wish the industry a safe, joyous and restful festive season, seeing everyone return ready to take on the challenges of 2008.
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