Middle East a key region for New Zealand marine industry

Highlighting the regional marine industry growth prospects and opportunities for New Zealand companies, Dr Trevor Matheson, New Zealand's Ambassador to the Gulf region, said: "The Middle East's marine industry is less impacted by the global recession. There is still room for growth especially with the UAE emerging as a leading regional yacht and boat market. The boating industry is experiencing a period of transition worldwide as its major markets in the US and Europe are facing less demand for new boats. This has placed a strong emphasis on this region."

New Zealand with its reputation for building excellent super yachts and innovative and high quality marine products, can leverage the opportunities offered by the regional marine industry, according to Wayne Mikkelsen, Consul General and Trade Commissioner, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. Superyacht new build; equipment and hardware; and refit and servicing are the three main growth sectors of New Zealand's marine industry.

Ron Czerniak, Marketing and Sales Manager for Maxwell Marine International, one of the participating New Zealand companies at the show said: "This is our fourth consecutive year exhibiting at the Dubai International Boat Show. We have always found it rewarding in terms of gaining new business and this year has been no different, despite the recession. We have had genuine visitors, and we have established some new business contacts."

Alan Maddox, Managing Director of Tru-Design Plastics Ltd, another exhibiting New Zealand based company said:

"Dubai is a hub for the marine industry and exhibiting at DIBS has helped us to establish business with companies in this region and beyond. It is a great event and we are glad to have participated."

Tru-Design Plastics Ltd, specialising in the design, manufacture and marketing of high quality valves and associated composite plastic marine fittings, was recently recognised at the HISWA Innovation Awards 2009 in Amsterdam for its ball valves, which meet the ISO 9093-2-2002 standards.

Other New Zealand companies participating in the largest boat show in the Middle East include Hutchwilco, Pacific Aerials, Rocna Anchors, The Boat Cover Company, Mission Kayaking NZ Ltd, and Sealegs.