Largest ever China International Boat Show

by IBI Magazine on 17 Mar 2006 Shanghai will once again become the centre of the Asian marine scene from April 6-9, as the 11th China International Boat Show (CIBS) brings together the largest selection of boats, marine equipment and watersports gear in Asia.

The show, organised by CMP Sinoexpo, the Shanghai Association of Shipbuilding Industry and the China Boat Industry and Trade Association, has gained a strong momentum.

This year's event will be larger than ever, with 90 per cent of the exhibition space at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre already sold out. The exhibition area itself has increased with more than 40 per cent from the 2005 show to a total of 23,000m2.

At least 44 companies are participating in the show for the first time, bringing the total number of exhibitors to around 300. More than 150 boats will be on display at the show and for the first time an on-water display along the Huangpu River has been arranged.

Continuing its international growth, a total of 22 countries will participate in 2006 compared to 12 in 2003, a reflection of the growing interest in China's burgeoning yachting market.

An estimated 20,000 visitors are expected at the show, making it Asia's largest gathering of yacht owners, boating enthusiasts and industry professionals. The increase in the number and amount of transactions carried out last year also illustrates the high purchasing power of the clientele.

The show's structure is in line with the two major developments driving China's yachting industry, leisure boating on the one hand, and supply and manufacturing on the other.

With a view to the increasing interest of wealthy individuals in leisure boating and the maritime lifestyle in China, the Luxury Yacht Section as well as the China Yacht Section have now been added.

The new sections will host local and international market leaders over 6,000m2 with an additional 1,200m2 of outdoor space reserved for boat displays.

The newly-introduced Huangpu River On-Water Display will feature up to 12 boats, and serves as a preview to a larger wet exhibition in 2007. The organisers have contracted the Crystal Dynamic Yacht Club on the Southern Bund area along the Huangpu River, which is a project spearheading marina development in Shanghai.

In order to highlight the overall development of marinas throughout the country, CIBS features an extended Marina Section, presenting mooring facilities nationwide. Similarly the Charter Destination section will host a display of local and international travel destinations in Europe, the USA and Asia.

For professional visitors, especially manufacturers and suppliers looking for the latest technology, sourcing local products or looking for strategic partnerships, CIBS 2006 offers an extended Equipment Section, and at 6,000m2 it is the largest of its kind in Asia. It will showcase products from the leading international and local equipment manufacturers.

Additionally the China Boat Industry and Trade Association will host a series of marine-related seminars in cooperation with leading manufacturers and solution providers in China. Seminar topics include how to successfully export products and services to the rest of the world, and how best to benefit from emerging opportunities in China. International associations and manufacturers have also announced plans to stage workshops and conferences.

Following the successful partnership with the French Nautical Association FIN in 2005 and in line with the 'Year of Italy in China', CIBS will host Italy as the 'Country of Honour 2006'. With the major involvement of the Italian trade commission, ICE, and the Italian yachting association, Italy will celebrate its special status by significantly increasing its participation, featuring Italian luxury brands and lifestyle.