New Southbound Policy Portal
Some of the finest yachts in the world will be on display during the 2018 Taiwan International Boat Show at Kaohsiung Exhibition Center March 15-18 in southern Taiwan. (Courtesy of TAITRA)
Organized by the Bureau of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Kaohsiung City Government, the third edition of the biennial event features domestic and foreign shipbuilders showcasing high-quality boats and yachts, as well as a comprehensive range of accessories and parts, at 1,000 land and marina booths in seven display areas.
Local exhibitors, including Alexander Marine Co. Ltd., Horizon Yacht Co. Ltd., Kha Shing Enterprise Co. Ltd. and Nova Marine Co. Ltd, are set to be joined by top outfits from nations such as Germany, Italy, Sweden, the U.K. and U.S. Kaohsiung is home to 22 of the 36 pleasure boat-makers in Taiwan and accounts for more than 80 percent of the local industry’s total output, according to event supporter Taiwan Yacht Industry Association.
An estimated 25,000-plus visitors from home and abroad are expected to experience the show during its four-day run, event implementer Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) said. It is anticipated the majority will make a beeline for the new outdoor lifestyle zone comprising recreational products like caravans and camping, diving and fishing equipment.
Taiwan is the world’s fourth largest producer of megayachts measuring 24 meters in length and over behind Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey, according to the 2016 Global Order Book produced by ShowBoats International magazine. This record result, up two spots from the previous edition, echoes data from the Customs Administration under the Ministry of Finance ranking the country as the biggest yacht manufacturer in Asia.
TAITRA said Taiwan can look forward to further advances in megayachts and luxury marine craft, two segments of the market experiencing steady growth throughout the region.
Ongoing industry reforms and support measures will see homegrown firms continue transforming from straight manufacturing and parts supply to providing all-round solutions for design, marketing, recreation and sales, TAITRA added. (JSM)