???aural:Bildanfang???© Fachverband für Mikrotechnik (IVAM)???aural:Bildende???

Working on behalf of small and medium-sized enterprises from the fields of microtechnology, nanotechnology and new and novel materials, the International Association of Microtechnology (IVAM) has built numerous bridges with South Korea. The IVAM Association is particularly proud of the clear commitment given by the Korean partners: "We support the IVAM as partners, because IVAM not only takes into consideration the benefit for Germany but also equally that of the Korean partners," says Dr. Hee Gook Lee, Chairman of the Board of the Nano Technology Research Association (NTRA), praising the work of the German professional association. Korea is, he says, on the way to becoming a world leader in fields of science and technology. Since Germany, too, is pursuing an extensive High-Tech Strategy, said Lee, both partners would be able to draw advantages and benefits from these ties.

Attending trade fairs and symposiums

Besides signing a "Memorandum of Understanding" in June 2007 and several workshops, two stands shown at the important trade fair "Nano Korea" stand out. In 2006 and 2007, 15 German companies from fields of micro and nanotechnology as well as new and novel materials presented themselves and their products at the exhibition held in Seoul. A preparatory workshop and a follow-up event rounded off the exhibition activities, while representatives of IVAM additionally visited important international symposiums. A further highlight was provided by the presentation of the "Nano-Korea-Awards", which the IVAM organisers personally presented for successful German—Korean industrial cooperation.

The companies' order books included a whole range of new contacts. Over and above this, the IVAM Association forwarded many inquiries from Korean companies and universities to the German network members. Building confidence, expanding contacts – the Germans are planning long term: "We are endeavouring to become a reliable partner for the Koreans by making a long-term and sustained commitment," said Dr Uwe Kleinkes, IVAM Managing Director. After all, the association and its members benefit from this, as do the two research nations.