24 Jun 2008 (www.marinebusinessnews.com)

The Australian Marine Export Group had strong representation at the first Korea Boat show held in Gyeonggi Province Korea.

According to AIMEX CEO, Mary-Anne Edwards, the show was strongly supported by the local province and attracted over 200,000 visitors, 22 countries and 230 companies. The market in Korea is in its infancy and whilst visitor numbers were excellent, actual serious buyers were limited.

Considerable interest was shown in the Australian-made boats Riviera, Sunrunner, LeisureCat and Seawind.

The Australian product, equipment and service suppliers Coursemaster, Hydrive, Polyflex, Para Anchors, GME, FGI, Austral/VEEM propellers, Fixtech showcased their business receiving good interest and the marina developers, Bellingham and Superior Jetties are well poised in this market and impressed with their technology and expertise.

Austrade and the Queensland government were supporting Australian companies at the show.

‘The hospitality of the Governor, Kim Moon Soo was overwhelming and the Governor must be congratulated on such an impressive first Korea Boat show,’ said Mary-Anne Edwards.

‘The industry is looking for a key Asian Boat show and one wonders if in a few years given the way this show came together if this could become THE show in Asia.’

As she continued: ‘Organisation of the show was very good, although there were some glitches with show timing, transport to and from the show given the marina is one hour from the closest hotels and communication channels. AIMEX have been assured by the show organizers these issues will be addressed in 2009.

It is hoped that the incentives offered to exhibitors will continue in 2009.

More at www.aimex.asn.au

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