TPT March 2007

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Contents
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Editor • Rich Sears
Features editor (USA) • Dorothy Fabian
Editorial assistant • Christian Bradley
Production manager • Lisa Benjamin
Design • Julie Tomlin
Sales & marketing • Catherine Sayers
English speaking sales
• Giuliana Benedetto
Italian sales
• Hendrike Griffin
German speaking sales
• Linda Li
Chinese sales
• Jeroo Vandrevala
Indian sales
Advertising
co-ordinator • Liz Hughes
Accounts manager • Richard Babbedge
Subscriptions • Liz Hughes
Publisher • Caroline Sullens
Founder • John C Hogg
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2 Editorial Index
6 Industry News
28 Technology
Update
72 From T he
Americas
Incorporating Tube & Pipe Asia
Tube & Pipe Technology magazine is available on subscription, or via membership of the
International Tube Association – See for more membership benefits
112 Advertisers Index
Following the leaders
Although some might say that talking politics is irrelevant to a magazine dedicated to
the tube and pipe industry, it is impossible to deny that a whole raft of politically defined
policies have both a direct and indirect impact upon our industry. From the environmental
issue – which only but a scientific minority now disputes – to the route of new pipelines,
free trade agreements, pegging of currencies, export/import quotas, entry into the EU,
and decisions of war.
All of these issues – living and breathing with political debate – are affected by the
machinations of our governments. And we are about to enter a fascinating new period
whereby many notable parts of the world will usher in a fresh set of leaders. There is
Russia, where in 2008 a successor to Vladimir Putin will take over, with Dmitri Medvedev
and Sergei Ivanov current favourites for the job. With energy and pipelines currently a
major issue, the direction of Russia and Russian policy will surely be of great interest to
our industry.
Then there is Britain, with the imminent end to Tony Blair’s time as Prime Minister, and
the prospect of a successor or even a completely new government. And in France too,
presidential elections will take place in April with socialist Segolene Royal fighting it out
with Nicolas Sarkozy for the leadership prize. These two European elections are certain
to have an influence on the future direction of the EU. Then, of course, on the other side
of the Atlantic there is the current scrum to find the two runners for the 2008
election in the USA. Will it be Hilary Clinton and Rudy Giuliani? Or John
Mccain and Barack Obama?
Those countries not undergoing an immediate leadership change, such
as China and India, may even benefit from their country’s continuity.
Whatever picture is formed by this political jigsaw, it is undoubtedly going
to affect us all, and our industry with it. We don’t have to argue about it,
but we can at least sit up, take notice, and give it some thought.
Rich Sears
Editor • Email:
46 Viewpoint
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