Super Gyeonggi Bay Represented by the Boat Show
(2011.06.09)

Second day since the opening of the nation’s largest Asia Marine Conference

200 local and overseas marine specialists attend to share their thoughts on the future of the marine leisure industry

Governor Kim Moon-soo giving his speech to celebrate the 2011 Asia Marine Conference at Korea International Boat Show exhibition hall this 9th. (GNews Plus)

“The Korea International Boat Show is the perfect opportunity to promote Gyeonggi Bay!”

On June 9th, the second day of the Korea International Boat Show, the 2011 Asia Marine Conference took place in the conference area, attesting to the status of the annual boat show.

Kim Dong-Ju, headquarters director of the Korean Research Institute for Human Settlements, stated in his presentation, given under the theme The development of Asian marine culture and the future, that: “If we are to become a leader in this FTA and G20 era, we must take advantage of the ocean and establish a network. If Gyeonggi Province’s West Coast develops into a ‘Super Gyeonggi Bay,’ it will contribute a great deal to the advancement of the Asian region.” He went on to stress Korea International Boat Show’s part in the bigger picture.

In his welcoming address, Governor Kim Moon-soo said, “The sea was previously out of bounds due to national security. Now it is open for all to enjoy. The boat show and the sailing competition are proof of that. I hope this conference will serve as a stepping stone for the Korea International Boat Show to make a giant leap into the wider world.”

The conference, the biggest marine specialist meeting in Korea, took place during the boat show period. Mark Adams, vice president of the USA National Marine Manufacturer Association, Anthony Di Giulian, president of Saltwater Professional Consulting, Mike Derrett, former advisor for Korea International Boat Show, and Yoshida Masahiko head of policies at Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, attended as keynote speakers. Professor Sin Jong-gye of Seoul National University, Professor Kim Cheon-jung of Yongin Universty, and over two-hundred marine specialists assembled to participate.

Tim Coventry, advisor for the Korea International Boat Show, hosted the event attended by local and overseasmarine leisure-related personnel as well as members of the press and the general public who opted to participate in advance. 

After giving his opening speech, Mark Adams introduced the NMMA’s management scheme and the know-how they have acquired by running eighteen boat shows annually around the United States. He also announced NMMA’s plans to cooperate with the Korea International Boat Show in the future. 

Mike Derrett, a former advisor of the Korea International Boat Show, gave a presentation on the latest trends in international marine sports by category, region, and target market, and analyzed the driving force behind Asia’s emerging market. 

Anthony Di Giulian, president of Saltwater Consulting, discussed the influence sports fishing has on the economy and the future of the Korea International Boat Show. James Kim, chairman of G.E.L Korea Co., Ltd., introduced successful cases of collaboration with major overseas marine leisure companies. 

Finally, Oh Yun-yeol, head of Marine Policy Division at Korea’s Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs, and Yoshida Masahiko, head of policies at Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, introduced each country’s marine leisure policies, visions, and plans for collaboration in the future. The session was followed by an open debate among all participants. The Asia Marine Conference will open once more on June 10. 

GNews Plus News | Nam Gyeong-u echo2008@kg21.net

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