China International Boat Show open for business

10:44 AM Wed 15 Apr 2009 GMT

'Australia, via AIMEX, has had a strong presence at past China shows.' . Click Here to view large photo

The 14th CIBS will begin tomorrow, 16 April until 19 April, in the historic Shanghai Exhibition Centre, in downtown Shanghai, and despite a global recession, organisers are buoyant about sales prospects.

Nearly 380 exhibitors and more than 15,000 visitors are expected to attend this year's China International Boat Show (CIBS), which runs from April 16-19 at the Shanghai Exhibition Center in downtown Shanghai.

In 2008, 177 boats were shown, among them 90 luxury yachts. By putting so many "toys" on display, CIBS and its exhibitors generate and fulfill dreams, with the majority of boats shown sold onsite.

According to show organiser CMP Sinoexpo, the event will cover 30,000sqm of exhibition space, including three national pavilions from Italy, France and Australia. Boat builders will account for around 45 per cent of all exhibitors, with equipment and accessories manufacturers representing 30 per cent and the remaining 25 per cent belonging to the marina, club and other service sectors.

The first-ever on-water exhibition will also be held along the west bank of the Huangpu River. The Shanghai Yacht Club, which is opposite the 2010 World Expo venue, is providing berths for domestic and overseas yachts and will also arrange test drives for VIP buyers during the show.

While optimistic about the local industry, CMP Sinoexpo reveals it does anticipate the second half of 2009 to be somewhat tougher for the Chinese boating industry, and in response it expects considerable consolidation.
'More non-profitable boatyards, equipment makers, boat dealers, boat shows and yachting magazines are doomed to disappear from the map,' the organization states.

Mary-Anne Edwards surrounded by Australian delegates at CIBS 2007. - .. Click Here to view large photo

According to the latest industry figures, China's economy is forecast to rise by around 8 per cent in 2009. The central government recently allocated 4 Trillion Yuan to a stimulus package designed to sustain domestic consumption, and a tax incentive has been reactivated to attract new foreign direct investment into the country.

Richard Chapman and Barry Jenkins speak with visitors at CIBS 2007. - .. Click Here to view large photo

Although so far not quite living up to the hype surrounding emerging economies, known as the BRIC nations - Brazil, India China - China does boats a growing upper and middle classes who are showing increasing interest in new lifestyles, sports and outdoor pursuits, thanks in part to the Beijing Olympics last year. China has over 300,000 US-dollar millionaires and is expected to become the largest market for luxury goods worldwide by 2012.

More at www.boatshowchina.com

by Jeni Bone

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