The Canadian Printable Electronics Industry Association and France's AFELIM have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to help each association’s members gain market traction and find new opportunities beyond their borders.
The Memorandum of Understanding is a non-financial commitment between the two organisations to collaborate on a number of initiatives on an ongoing basis. These include participation in technical working groups and educational events such as webinars, technical seminars and conferences.
AFELIM, France's printed and organic electronics industry association, plays very much the same role on behalf of France's printable, flexible and wearable electronics (PE) industry that the CPEIA plays in Canada.
AFELIM's mission is to create a network of members from across France's PE supply chain, open dialogue on issues facing the industry sector, enhance the value chain, create a strong link between R&D and production, disseminate market information, open access to major research programs, and represent the sector and its members at industry events and to European and global bodies.
Peter Kallai, President and CEO of the CPEIA. said, "By partnering with AFELIM, the CPEIA can tap into resources and contacts to assist our Members that wish to gain traction in European markets and partner on European projects. In return, the CPEIA can assist AFELIM Member companies interested in pursuing opportunities in the North American market." Peter added, "Partnering with peer associations that can help create global export opportunities is crucial for the CPEIA to succeed in its mandate to drive the growth and success of Canadian industrial companies in PE. Many CPEIA Members speak French, making them ideal partners for AFELIM Members."
Michel Popovic, President of AFELIM, said, "The CPEIA and AFELIM are kindred organizations that can accomplish great things on behalf of our Members if we work together." Michel added, "Earlier this year, we welcomed Peter to our annual conference and I was honoured to take part in the CPEIA’s CPES2017 conference and exhibition last month. Our engagement is already bearing fruit and we look forward to a productive relationship. Several of our Members also attended CPES2017 and will now become active in the North American market through the CPEIA."