Taiwan Today
Date: March 11, 2016
A record NT$1 billion (US$30.4 million)-plus in orders is expected to be
Taiwan International Boat Show is expanding in scope and capitalizing on world-class exhibition and port facilities in Kaohsiung City. (CNA)
clinched at Taiwan International Boat Show during its March 10-13 run at Kaohsiung Exhibition Center in southern Taiwan.
Featuring 166 exhibitors from 10 countries and territories at 1,005 booths, this year’s edition is the biggest indoor event of its kind in Asia and tops the size of the inaugural show in 2014.
During the opening ceremony, ROC Vice President Wu Den-yih said the scale of the event reflects the success of government efforts in fostering cross-sector collaboration in Taiwan. The local yacht industry is the world’s fourth largest for craft 80-foot or above, and is set to scale new heights going forward, he added.
Echoing Wu’s remarks, Vice President-elect Chen Chien-jen said Kaohsiung is spearheading the local shipbuilding business. The port city is home to 19 of 35 national pleasure boat-makers, accounting for over 80 percent of total output and 90 percent of exports, he added.
According to organizer Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the 4.5-hectare purpose-built KEC has put Kaohsiung on the map as a top destination for large-scale marine industry exhibitions in Asia. Based on the city’s reputation as a hub for yacht manufacturing and operations, TAITRA said it plans to build the metropolis into the most important for boat shows in the region. [FULL STORY]
