The cooperation between two ISTMA member associations
has taken an important step forward with the signing of a new Memorandum of
Understanding between CEFAMOL – Portuguese Association for the Mould Industry
and PtSA – Production Technologies of South Africa.
The agreement was signed during a CEFAMOL institutional
visit to South Africa, held from 31 August to 4 September 2026, which included
visits to companies, training centres and industrial organisations across Cape
Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban and Johannesburg.
The visit provided an opportunity to gain a deeper
understanding of the South African tooling and manufacturing ecosystem, while
also strengthening the relationship between the two associations and
identifying areas where Portuguese and South African companies and institutions
can work together.
From institutional relations to practical cooperation
The agreement establishes a framework for regular
cooperation between CEFAMOL and PtSA, covering areas such as technical and
business missions, market information, company contacts, innovation,
R&D&I, training and participation in conferences and other industry
events.
Importantly, the agreement is intended to go beyond
institutional exchange and create practical opportunities for companies and
organisations in both countries. It was also highlighted a number of potential
areas for future cooperation, including tooling and engineering, automation,
digitalisation, technical training and the development of local industrial
capabilities.
For both associations, the objective is to use their
respective networks and knowledge of their markets to facilitate contacts and
create opportunities that would be more difficult to develop independently.
A practical example of the value of the ISTMA network
The agreement between CEFAMOL and PtSA also
demonstrates the potential of the ISTMA network as a platform for bilateral
cooperation.
While ISTMA provides a global framework for exchange,
knowledge and representation of the tooling industry, its member associations
are also uniquely positioned to develop direct relationships with one another
and create initiatives adapted to the specific needs of their industries and
markets.
Bilateral cooperation can therefore become an
important complement to the wider activities developed within ISTMA, helping
associations to connect their respective industrial communities and to create
new opportunities for internationalisation, technology transfer and business
development.
An invitation to other ISTMA members
The CEFAMOL–PtSA agreement may also serve as an
example for other ISTMA member associations looking to strengthen their
international relationships.
There are significant opportunities for associations
to develop bilateral partnerships, exchange expertise, organise reciprocal
missions, connect companies, develop training initiatives or explore joint
projects with counterparts in other countries.
Such initiatives can strengthen not only the
relationship between the associations themselves, but also the wider
industrial, technological and business links between their countries.
ISTMA therefore encourages its members to make full
use of the international network and to explore opportunities for direct
cooperation with fellow member associations.
The CEFAMOL–PtSA agreement is one example of what can
be achieved when institutional relationships are transformed into practical
cooperation.
Stronger connections between ISTMA member associations
mean stronger connections between the tooling industries they represent.
