2.3.4　Trade Associations行业协会

A trade association,also called a trade group,business association,sector association or industry body,is an organization founded by businesses that operate in a specific industry.Many associations are non-profit organizations governed by laws and directed by officers from member companies.Trade associations in developed economies play a bigger role for businesses than those in China.With a focus on collaboration between companies,they offer services ranging from education,advertising,information,holding conferences to publishing journals to members.Their classification is more detailed,too.For instance,instead of a general “Building Material Association”,they may have an “Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry”or a“Ceramic Tiles Distribution Association”.Most trade associations have their websites,some of which publish names of member companies on the site.However,when you search for trade associations using a search engine,it’s better to know that they are not necessarily called an“association”.“Alliance”“bureau”“council”“institute”“society”or even “guide”are alternative words that refer to organizations of a similar nature.You may want to have a try on these key words.Why not?Go ahead! Table 2-2 gives a list of some trade associations.

Table 2-2　Some Trade Associations