QLD marine expertise on sale at Korea International Boat Show

Minister for Trade John Mickel is leading the largest Australian State delegation – 18 people representing 17 Queensland marine industry companies – on a trade mission to the inaugural Korea International Boat Show (10-15 June).

Mr Mickel said that the products and expertise represented by the delegation spanned specialist areas from jetty, boat and marina design and construction to the provision of unique artwork for luxury yachts.

Jointly opening the Korea International Boat Show alongside Gyeonggi Governor Moon-Soo Kim today (11 June), Minister Mickel will also host the Governor at a special Queensland Marine Industry Seminar this afternoon. Queensland companies at the seminar will highlight the State’s marine industry credentials and capabilities.

“The seminar is very significant for Queensland as it is being held under the Sister State Agreement. Our State is the only international visitor delegation to be invited to hold a promotional event at the Korea International Boat Show,” Mr Mickel said.

“This is the first international boat show event in Korea. It is an excellent opportunity for Queensland’s marine businesses to obtain ground-floor access to a market that is expected to boom over the next 5 to 10 years.

“The large Queensland marine delegation at the Korea International Boat Show is a reflection of Queensland’s high-level marine expertise. It also represents the close relationship between Queensland and Gyeonggi Province, underpinned by our Sister State relationship,” said Mr Mickel.

The West Coast of Gyeonggi Province is ripe for marine development with over 252 kilometres of coastline and around 11 million people living within 150km of the Boat Show venue.

There are currently 4 marinas and around 4000 registered leisure boats in South Korea, and new private and government investment is supporting the construction of 4 new marina projects in Gyeonggi and another 38 around the country.

“With the Jeongok marina construction to be completed by January 2009, the Province has plans to construct 3 other marinas: Jebu marina with 500 berths; Hulgot Marina with 400 berths; and Gubong Marina with 100 berths. The total budget for these projects is A$223 million with completion due by 2015.

“I have no doubt that the trade mission will assist Queensland’s marine businesses to be considered favourably as they compete for construction contracts for these and other marina development projects in South Korea,” Mr Mickel said.

Mr Mickel has met with Korean Vice Minister of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs, profiling Queensland’s capabilities in the marine industry sector and committing the Queensland Government’s support of Korea’s marine industry development.

Mr Mickel will also have an opportunity to boost Queensland’s profile as Australia’s marine hub through a scheduled interview with Korea’s leading daily newspaper, Joong Ang Daily.

Queensland is renowned as Australia’s leading boat building state. In terms of recreational boats, 67 per cent of all Australian exports are manufactured in Queensland. Total exports of marine products in 2005-2006 were worth over $400 million, including $190 million of recreational boats.

Queensland’s marine industry currently employs around 11 000 people, accounting for a third of Australia’s total marine-based workforce, and contributed $2.6 billion turnover to the State’s economy in 2005-06.

ENDS

Note : A list of Queensland companies taking part in the Trade Mission is attached below

1. Superior Jetties
2. Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
3. Sodablast
4. Lawmar Pty Ltd
5. Opal Marine Pty Ltd + Cyclone Boat Co. (a division of Opal Marine)
6. Bellingham
7. Pacific Pontoon and Pier
8. Port Binnli
9. Polyflex (registered with AIMEX)
10. Airberth International Pty Ltd
11. Fixtech Marine Solutions
12. Greg Wardle – fine artist
13. New Wave Catamarans
14. Sea Speed Design
15. Rivera
16. Mojocreations
17. Southern Cross Yachting

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

June 11, 2008