Minister talks overseas sales with Cairns marine industry

Cashing in on the international super yacht market was the key agenda item when Queensland Trade Minister John Mickel met with marine companies in Cairns today.

Mr Mickel met representatives of Cairns-based marine companies to discuss how state government trade experts could help them generate export dollars.

"Trade Queensland will be leading trade missions to four international boat shows in the first half of next year and they will be encouraging the Cairns marine industry to get onboard," he said.

"I wanted to hear from marine companies today what their export capabilities are and discuss where they have identified trade opportunities for their products and services.

"The opportunity for Cairns companies to tap into international marine markets is enormous."

This year, Queensland's super yacht industry employed around 350 people and turned over about $125 million.

This is expected to increase to more than 1000 employees and $500 million within the next five years.

The Cairns region is already capturing the benefits from the growing cruise market, receiving about a third of the revenue that super yacht visits generate in Queensland.

"The marine industry is meeting the needs of this market with activities ranging from multi-million dollar refit and repairs of vessels to numerous tourism related services," Mr Mickel said.

"With the number of super yacht visits to Queensland increasing from four in 1999 to 60 in 2006, Cairns is well placed to take advance of this booming maritime industry."

Trade Queensland will be working with Queensland business to promote the expertise and facilities available in the state at the Mumbai International Boat Show (28 February-2 March), Dubai International Boat Show (11-15 March), the China International Boat Show in Shanghai (10-13 April) and the inaugural International Boat Show held in Genga, Korea (11-15 June).

Media contact: Nathan Moir 3235 4060 or Shannon Mackay 3237 1125

December 20, 2007