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Aussies lead the way to Thailand 's marine industry boom
First to seize opportunities presented by the Thai government's recent embracing of marine leisure as a growth industry, Australian marine exporters were the biggest international contingent at the first Phuket Boat Show (PIMEX 2003). Within three months of the show, import taxes on boats were reduced to zero, showing that Australian instincts were spot on. The months since the tax slash was announced have seen a flurry of interest from major yacht charter companies, marina developers, boat builders - in fact just about every corner of the industry. Nobody on the ground in Thailand doubts that things are set to go meteoric. As usual, when it comes to getting off the starting blocks, the Aussies are way out in front. And, in the process of finalising a bi-lateral Free Trade Agreement, the governments of Thailand and Australia are giving those first across the line yet another boost. Against this background, space at PIMEX 2004, the second Phuket Boat Show, is going fast - even though the show has almost doubled its capacity - and bookings stand at 60% with four months still to go. The main hall is already full and other prime space is in demand, while the water display is expected to exceed 30 boats, filling the limited space available. While the first show was held in a climate of very cautious optimism, PIMEX 2004 will showcase a stunning array of new products. They include the sleek Asian Classic from Latitude 8 (a partnership between Thais and Australians), the new Australian-designed Buzz Eight sportsboat and North Sea Yachts' amazing 65 knot pure pleasure craft from Indonesia. And, capping its rising star after just one year in production, the super-fast Australian designed (Duncanson) Phuket 8 Sports Boat will be one of the show's highlights. And, after taking a cautious look at the first PIMEX show in 2003, SEAT - Thailand 's biggest and most successful boat builder - has signed up for 2004. And Royal Phuket Marina, by far the region's most luxurious marina development, will use PIMEX as its launch pad, taking visitors by boat from the show's on-water display, direct into the newly completed marina basin, complete with luxury residential and leisure development. And, of course, bookings for PIMEX 2004 include the majority of exhibitors at the first show. Not surprising, when you read comments from some of the exhibitors:
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an event by IMAGE asia |
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