Last month saw Superyacht Australia, along with key Australian industry businesses, undertake a trade mission to Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and Phuket, in its effort to encourage greater awareness as well as partnership with their neighbours in the Asia region. The delegation met with key industry stakeholders and government representatives, increasing their knowledge of the facilities and capabilities in the region, further strengthening relationships with industry, and identifying the opportunities for collaboration, alliances and joint ventures.
Superyacht Australia Asian Engagement Trade Mission - Meeting with MIMA and key stakeholders - Kuala Lumpur
“With the growth of superyacht visitation in the Asian region it makes sense for the region to collaborate and have a good working knowledge of one another’s facilities ensuring an optimum experience for superyachts cruising the Asia region” said AIMEX & Superyacht Australia CEO MaryAnne Edwards.
Edwards further stated that this trade mission is part of a long term strategy where Superyacht Australia will continue to drive these relationships with an industry networking function during the Asia Superyacht Conference in Singapore in April followed by actively encouraging Asian industry involvement in the Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Industry Conference – ASMEX at Sanctuary Cove, Queensland in May (20-21).
“Superyacht Australia was lucky to have been awarded funding for this Asian mission under the Australian governments Asian Century Business Engagement Plan, as without this support this mission would not have been undertaken, and the opportunities for collaboration and alliances would not have been realized. The superyacht industry is growing in the Asian region and we need to ensure we attract our share of this business” said Edwards.
Superyacht Australia Asian Engagement Trade Mission - Site Visit Yacht Haven Marina Phuket
During the five day trade mission the group met with key industry stakeholders visiting major marinas, hosting key personalities in the industry including government officials and were extremely well supported by Austrade.
Carrie Carter, Director of Carter Marine Agencies who participated in the trade mission commented that “The Asian Trade Mission to Malaysia and Thailand was extremely beneficial in seeing firsthand the current and proposed development for these countries in their focus to accommodate and service the ever increasing Superyacht Industry. It was an excellent opportunity to network with fellow colleagues from all facets of the superyacht industry which included yacht agents & brokers, marina developers & owners, shipyards & repairers as well as a couple of superyacht captain’s and their respective crew.”
This Activity received funding from Austrade as part of the Asian Century Business Engagement Plan. The views expressed herein are not necessarily the views of the Commonwealth of Australia, and the commonwealth does not accept responsibility for any information or advice contained herein.
