Founded on April 28, 2004, SPTA is a cross-sector nonprofit social organization juridical person of the printing industry in Shanghai, composed on a voluntary basis of enterprises and institutions of different ownerships involved in businesses of publications, packaging decoration printing and other presswork, and related printing machinery, equipment & supplies, as well as printing education and scientific research, etc.

   The Association currently has 425 member units of different ownership systems.

   Tenet of the Association: industry services, industry self-regulation, industry representation, industry coordination, guided by industry development strategy, enhance market competitiveness of enterprises; promote the development of Shanghai printing industry.

   Main functions of the Association: participating in research and establishment of the industry development planning, advancing economic policies and legislative proposals, carrying out industry statistics, industry surveys, industry advisory and releasing industry information, implementing strategy of industry brands and human resources, organizing personnel trainings in the industry, constructing industry credibility system, providing convention & exhibition services, and ¡°four new¡± technical presentation and exchanges, etc.

   Departments and sections set up under the Association include Expert Consultation Dept, Market Information Dept, Technical Service Dept, Event & Exchanges Dept, and Office.