Australian and China marina industries strengthen ties

by MIAA on 7 Dec 2011 The Marina Industries Association of Australia (MIAA) had a significant presence at the Xiamen International Boat Show (4-7 November 2011) and the 1- 3 December China (Haikou) Yacht Forum 2011.

The presence cemented the China/Australian relationships reflected in the Memorandum of Understanding signed in November between the MIAA, Xiamen Yachting Industry Association (XIYA), the China Yacht Club Alliance (CYCA) and the Boating Sub-Branch of the Shipbuilding Industry Association.

MIAA President Andrew Chapman said the trip was extremely successful in strengthening relationships to underpin long term business opportunities for Australia and China.

'MIAA is driven to assist the development of a sustainable marina sector in China so that MIAA and its membership can prosper though the cooperative initiatives that are developed. Furthermore, a sustainable marina sector in China will result in a stronger international industry providing additional business opportunities for the marina industries in both Australia and China.'

At the Xiamen International Boat Show and the China (Haikou) Yacht forum 2011, MIAA had extensive meetings with Mark Yang, the Vice Secretary of the Xiamen Yachting Association, and Mr. Weihang Zheng, the Chairman of the China Yacht Club Association. Topics of discussion focused on ways both countries can work together to support the development of the marina industries in China and to support MIAA and its members with business opportunities in the expanding Chinese market place.

There was extensive discussion about MIAA’s education programs aligned to standards set by the Global Marina Institute and how education of the Chinese marina sector could align with international standards. As a result of discussions, a marina industry course will be held in China in early 2012 and a Chinese delegation will participate in MIAA’s Sydney Marina Study Tour 1-2 August prior to attending the Sydney International Boat Show.

Given the Chinese government commitment to enhance environment practices, the MIAA’s Clean Marinas program was also the subject of discussion with objectives set for its roll out in China. Additionally the International Gold Anchor Rating Scheme for marinas was discussed as a way the Chinese marina sector can adopt the world’s best practice customer service program for marinas.