In addition BTMA in conjunction with the DTI assisted in the production of a recently conducted Industry analysis. This examined the competitive strengths, weaknesses opportunities and threats of the Industry as a whole and also each individual sector. As a result of this analysis a series of regional meetings have taken place, the aim of which was to help member companies and thereby the industry, achieve the recommendations of the report wherever possible.
BTMA welcomes the DTI White Paper on Competitiveness. It particularlywelcomes the opportunity it makes available to Trade Associations, such as BTMA,to be able to influence ways in which public funds can best be spent rather thanhaving to cope with bureaucratic schemes which often seem to cost companies moreto administer them than the benefit they receive from them.
One of the ways BTMA wants to develop this idea with the DTI is borneout if the activities that BTMA undertakes on behalf of its members in China. Because BTMA is commercially involved occasions arise when a mission, be itinward or outward, automatically evolves because of the commercial work that hasbeen undertaken. A group of people, be they Members or customers, emerge whichnaturally evolve into a mission but a mission of substance rather than a missionwith only semi interest.
This approach needs a radical rethink by Government. It means that theEmbassies have to become much nearer to the sharp edge of commerce and it alsomeans that the DTI has to be much more responsive with its mission schemes. Rather than having to apply for assistance in respect of a mission over twelvemonths in advance, the DTI will need to be able to respond as quickly asIndustry is forced to respond by having funds made available as soon as the needarises.
This is the type of dialogue that we are now enjoying with the DTI andthe announcement of the Competitiveness White Paper brings this , and otherideals, that much closer.
