New Zealand's marine heritage in focus at Dubai International Boat Show

New Zealand companies exhibiting at the largest boat show in the Middle East include Hutchwilco, Maxwell Marine, Pacific Aerials, Rocna Anchors, The Boat Cover Company and Tru-Design Plastics Ltd.

Commenting on New Zealand's participation in the trade show which runs from March 3rd to 7th, Wayne Mikkelsen, Trade Commissioner, NZTE, said:

"The presence of New Zealand companies at DIBS shows their commitment to both the Middle East marine market and their local partners as they work together during this challenging time. The New Zealand marine industry is one of the largest manufacturing industries in the country with $970m in annual sales in 2008."

"Participating in DIBS will help New Zealand companies demonstrate the diversity of the country's marine industry as New Zealand's reputation for quality marine hardware and accessories continues to grow," he added.

New Zealand is a sailing destination with boating being an important part of the country's cultural identity. The three main growth sectors of New Zealand's industry are in superyacht new build; equipment and hardware; and refit and servicing. These sectors comprised over 80% of the value of the New Zealand marine industry's exports in 2008.

At the Dubai International Boat Show this year, Maxwell Marine, one of the exhibiting New Zealand companies, will display state of the art anchoring systems for a wide variety of vessels. Pacific Aerials will showcase their full range of marine and mobile antennas and Tru-Design plastics will present valves, ball valves, skin fitting, wash-down hose nozzles and associated composite plastic marine fittings.

Exhibiting their New Zealand designed anchors at DIBS, Rocna Anchors hopes to generate great customer interest for the range. Hutchwilco will showcase its wide range of personal flotation devices at the show and Boat Cover Company, will have on display their range of high quality covers, upholstery and accessories for marine, residential and commercial applications.

New Zealand companies will be located at ESS F3, ESS F4, and ESS 114 at the Dubai International Boat Show.