– Focus on the development of the marine leisure industry as a strategic industry for Gyeonggi Province
– Hold World Match Racing Tour and International Boat Show at Jeongok port in Hwaseong in June 2008.
– Expand investment in marine leisure equipment and parts, and development of the marina

Gyeonggi Province signed an MOU with the British Marine Federation (BMF) to nurture the marine leisure industry, which will include hosting the 2008 International Boat Show and World Match Racing Tour on November 23.

Gyeonggi Province stated that the direction and situation of its marine leisure industry, its hosting of the International Boat Show in June 2008, and other matters that will be made possible with the signing of the MOU with BMF will be officially announced at the meeting of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), which will be held during the International Boat Show at Düsseldorf Germany in January of 2008. In addition, the information will be notified to all the Members of the marine industry association, which will provide Gyeonggi Province with an opportunity to enhance its image and attract foreign investment.

Upon signing the MOU, Kim Moon-soo, Governor of Gyeonggi Province emphasized, “Through this MOU, we will host the 2008 International Boat Show and World Match Racing Tour, which will enable us to promote our marine leisure environment, and increase its investment value. The effect and potential for technological exchanges among the industries of Gyeonggi Province will become all the more great. This will in turn serve as an opportunity to concentrate on the development of marine leisure industry as a strategic industry of Gyeonggi Province.”

In the MOU, both parties agreed to jointly cooperate in Marine Festivals and the International Boat Show, the facilitation of international trade and the introduction of related associations to the respective markets (UK and Korea), the development of the domestic marine leisure industry, and the technology, expertise, and interactive exchanges in the marine leisure industry.

Established in 1913, the British Marine Federation (BMF) is the trade association for the British boating industry. It is a non-profit organization that supports the commerce and trade of industries engaged in the marine industry. It is the biggest organization of its kind in the world, encompassing 1,550 member companies, and 31 chapters and associations.

The BMF offers a wide range of services to assist members in building their businesses. These services include information of technical matters for the International Boat Show, analysis of data and market information, marketing assistance for the products of Member companies, development and operation of an industrial talent nurturing program, and assistance for Boat Shows in the Asian region including Mumbai (India), Dubai (United Arab Emirates), and Shanghai (China).

BMF plans to offer full support and advice for the exhibition and the planning of the World Match Racing Tour and International Boat Show, which will be hosted by Gyeonggi Province at Jeongok port in Hwaseong in June 2008, and in attracting foreign companies and buyers to the event.

Kim Moon-soo, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, Choi Young-geun, Mayor of Hwaseong City, Tim Coventry, Vice President of BMF, and Gary Soper, First Secretary and Deputy Director of UK Trade & Investment were in attendance for the MOU signing ceremony.