We were only just recovering from the immense disruption that the Covid-19 pandemic and the ensuing measures taken to limit the spread of it when Russia decided to invade Ukraine. That war started three years ago and has brought misery to many, as has the many other wars that are taking place in Africa. Then there was the audacious attack on Israel which again has resulted in many senseless deaths of innocent people.
While these wars are ongoing we hope that sense prevails and they are brought to an end and not temporarily stopped with ceasefires. Nobody respects the rules of those pieces of paper. Only complete withdrawal of equipment and personnel and the return of land will suffice.
However, in a morbid way a war does create business for companies operating in metalworking forming and shaping. CNC machines are vital to the manufacture of arms and supporting equipment. While sanctions might be placed on equipment used to manufacture these arms being exported to Russia, for example, there are still many out there that have very little in terms of morals and are driven by greed and will sell ‘destruction’.
Now the world has been distracted by the ‘Return of Trump’. Some say he has gone ‘rogue’ but no matter what, he still commands a frightful amount of power, all because of arms manufacture and the USA’s ‘donations’. The USA is central in the two much publicised wars. And because of this President Trump is taking advantage and being a bully. His and deputy vice president Vance’s recent live TV display was nothing short of disgusting and left a bad impression of the US on many. To the outside world President Zelenskyy’s diplomatic control was impressive and it has galvanised many country leaders in Europe.
The absurdity of the broadcast began before tensions escalated, when a reporter questioned President Zelenskyy about his choice of clothing, asking why he had not worn a suit to what he called the United States’ ‘highest level’ office. ‘Why don’t you wear a suit? Do you own a suit?’ the reporter asked.
Being in the profession I was astounded and ashamed at how disrespectful Brian Glenn was. Yes that is his name and he works for Real America’s Voice. Well if that is what the real America is about I am sure many will not want to visit the USA or do business there. Imagine asking the Pope, India’s Prime Minister Modi or one of the kings or princes of the middle eastern states the same question. Even more shameful if it was a planned attack by Glenn who, according to reports, is one of Mr Trump’s favourites.
For the quiet and non-political King Charles then to show solidarity with President Zelenskyy it certainly sent out a strong message. But lest we not forget how the world relies on the USA and Mr Trump!!
On a more positive note the Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association and Tokyo Big Sight Inc. have released the final figures for JIMTOF 2024. JIMTOF has been highly evaluated as Japan’s leading machine tool exhibition both at home and abroad, and this year’s exhibition ran under the theme of ‘Technologies passed down to the future offer unlimited possibilities’.
The exhibition attracted 129 018 visitors (including 10 423 overseas visitors), up 14 860 or 13% on the 2022 exhibition. This is an encouraging sign. TIMTOS 2025 has just taken place in Taiwan and there were a number of South Africans that attended, including Metalworking News’ Online Editor Damon Crawford. We look forward to the report back in the May 2025 issue.
In September the EMO 2025 exhibition takes place in Hannover, Germany. We look forward to that one.
