NEWS - South Korea warms to Australian marine industry
The Australian exhibition at last week’s Yacht & Boat Korea has attracted promising interest in Australian marine manufacturers and boatbuilders, the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) said.
Yacht & Boat Korea was the second Korean boat show for 2010 at which AIMEX had a presence, and which it claimed ensures a strong branding and development base for the inevitable future business in this emerging market.
Held between Yacht & Boat Korea (October 14 to 17) was in Gyeongsangnam-do province, located in the southeastern end of the South Korean peninsula. AIMEX said the peninsula lends itself well to boating with its picturesque coastline — untouched in comparison to countries with similar assets.
AIMEX members exhibiting at the show included Austral/VEEM Propellers, Bellingham Marine, MultiPanel, Superior Jetties, and Voyager Catamarans.
According to AIMEX, all members reported a good show and felt it beneficial to attend, making contacts with fellow exhibitors and visitors that prove promising for future business.
“Yacht & Boat Korea gave MultiPanel the opportunity to close on a major contract that will see MultiPanel supplied to Korea over several months,” said MultiPanel’s Tony Russo.
David Vincent, Austral Propellers director stated that business had been promising among fellow exhibitors, and also noticed an increase in awareness and setup of boat-maintenance facilities.
Everett Babbitt, Bellingham Marine president said: “Bellingham Marine is pleased to have participated in Yacht & Boat Korea 2010.
“We found the show to be very beneficial in both content and business networking.
“It is apparent to us that events such as this will play a key part in the development of the boating and marina industry in Korea,” he said.
Derek Appleton, Voyager Catamarans director said: “Voyager Catamarans had the opportunity to maintain contacts previously made in Korea and met a few new contacts in Gyeongsangnam-do, which should prove to be valuable in future years.”
In addition to the Australian Pavilion, other exhibiting countries included America, China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Spain and New Zealand.
The Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do, Doo-kwan Kim officially opened the show at the Welcome Reception held on day one of the show which was followed by a cultural ceremony. This was one of many functions Governor Kim hosted throughout the duration of the show.
Other activities included a Marina Training Program organised by the Marina Industries Association of Australia (MIAA). The Association presented Marinas 101 training for Korean delegates including elements such as managing a marina.
Also included in the Agenda was a Marine Industry Conference that included presentations by Ian McAndrew (ICOMIA), Andrew Chapman (MIAA President) and Julie Balzano (Enterprise Florida). All speakers emphasised the potential of a prosperous marine industry in South Korea and shared their own countries experiences.
Photos: Austrade Seoul Representatives, AIMEX delegation and Thomas Wechselberger, Queensland Government; Boat Show marina with shipyard in background; MultiPanel’s Tony Russo on AIMEX stand.