Kaohsiung readies for Taiwan International Boat Show

2016/01/15

The 2016 Taiwan International Boat Show kicks off March 10 at Kaohsiung Exhibition Center in southern Taiwan, highlighting the port metropolis’s rising reputation as a regional hub for yacht manufacturing and operations.

During the four-day event, 44 shipbuilders from home and abroad are showcasing a tip-top selection of 63 luxury yachts at the facility’s indoor booths and marina berths, according to organizer Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA).

Exhibitors include local outfits Alexander Marine Co. Ltd., Global Yacht Builders Co. Ltd. and Horizon Yachts Co., as well as international firms Bavaria Yachts of Germany, Delta Marine of the U.S., Galeon Yachts of Poland and Princess Yachts of the U.K.

“The second edition of the biennial event underscores the growing value and importance of the local yacht-making sector,” a TAITRA official said, adding that this is confirmed by Taiwan’s fourth-place ranking after Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey for yachts 80-foot or above in Boat International’s 2016 Global Order Book.

“This is Taiwan’s best placement in the prestigious publication, and up two places from the previous year,” the official said. “It highlights the nation’s growing global outreach and market appeal, as well as the impact of NT$1 billion [US$29.9 million] in contracts clinched during the inaugural TIBS of 2014.”

Taiwan can realistically expect to see further advances in superyachts and luxury marine craft, two segments of the market experiencing steady expansion in Asia, according to the official.

“On the back of further regulatory reforms and industry support measures, Taiwan firms will continue transforming from straight manufacturing and parts supply to providing all-round solutions for design, marketing, recreation and sales.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=241241&ctNode=2194&mp=9)