A large contingent of Australian companies are represented at the Dubai International Boat Show 2008 this March through a strong presence by the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX). AIMEX Chief Executive Mary Anne Edwards said the group had taken increased exhibition space reflecting significant interest in Australian marine products and services in the UAE. The Dubai International Boat Show is staged at Mina Seyahi from March 11-15, 2008.

“A number of our members are making progress in the market with UAE agents and distributors,” said Ms Edwards.

A trade mission has been organised from March 4 before the Show funded by the Victorian Government. The trade mission includes site visits, market briefings and networking events to promote Victorian marine exports and introduce members to key buyers in the UAE preceding the Dubai Show.

Participants include Fiber Glass International, Gravity International Pty Ltd, Kinetic Technology International Pty Ltd, MultiPanel, Ronstan International and Sealite Pty Ltd and Seahawk Australia Pty Ltd.

“At Dubai, we have members exhibiting as part of the AIMEX stand or through their own exhibition spaces,” said Ms Edwards. “In addition, a number of leading Australian exporters are represented through regional distributors and agents.”

Companies on the AIMEX stand include Austral Propellers, Club Marine Mandurah Boat Show, Coursemaster Autopilots Pty Ltd, Fiber Glass International, GME, Kinetic Technology International Pty Ltd, MultiPanel, Patriot Marine, Poly Flex Group Pty Ltd, Ronstan International, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show and Seahawk Australia Pty Ltd. Acoola Marine, Aqualuma Underwater Lighting and Sealite Pty Ltd are exhibiting in the Australia Pavilion and also on their agents’ stands.

A number of AIMEX members have their own exhibition space including first-time Dubai attendees Ark Corporation Pty Ltd, Pyrotek Soundguard Pty Ltd, Central Coast Marine Installations and companies such as award-winning EvrSafe Marine Technologies Pty Ltd, Dynamic Products Pty Ltd, Sunrunner Cruisers Pty Ltd, PowerDive and Gold Coast City Council. 

AIMEX members exhibiting through their agents or distributors include Fixtech, Gravity International Pty Ltd, Maritimo, Mustang Marine, StebercCraft, Riviera and Superior Jetties.
   
“In 2007, AIMEX members enjoyed significant success at Dubai International Boat Show with confirmed sales and successful negotiations,” said Ms Edwards.

“We are delighted some leading Australian marine publications are also attending as part of the AIMEX contingent including John Heselwood editor with Boating Business and Hillary Buckman, managing director of Ocean magazine,” said Ms Edwards.