Speech
Address by: Austrade CEO, Mr Peter O’Byrne
Event: FGI Networking Function
Location: South Steyne, Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour, Sydney
Date: Thursday 2 August, 2007
Thank you Richard… [CHAPMAN, PRESIDENT AIMEX]
And thank you all for coming to this Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) networking event.
We meet appropriately during the 40th Sydney International Boat Show, one of the major attractions on the Australian marine calendar.
What a fantastic event! 300 exhibitors, and on the water more than 300 vessels.
As part of this great event we’ve been instrumental in bringing 33 buyers who are participating from China.
You can meet up with many of these customers at AIMEX’s International Business Lounge; at your stand; or come along to Austrade’s China networking seminar overlooking Hall 2 tomorrow.
Thank you AIMEX for hosting this evening. It’s a chance to talk to each other, and media representatives here, about what’s new in the industry and our marine interests in general.
And thank you also AIMEX for the great job you’re doing. We’re keen to work with you, and in particular I’d like to acknowledge:
- AIMEX President, Richard Chapman;
- Vice-President Sean Griffin and
- CEO Mary Anne Edward;
- As well as members of the AIMEX Board.
It’s great to be back on board the South Steyne. I’ve been to a couple of Christmas parties here and have fond memories of this vessel.
I believe the South Steyne is the largest operational example of a steam ferry of its kind in the world today. I’m told she has a marine steam engine capable of of 3,250 horse-power.
The South Steyne sailed into Sydney Heads, arriving from Leith, Scotland on 9 September 1938, serving for the next 36 years on the Manly ferry run. In 1974 a fire broke out in the engine room, severely damaging the vessel. This ended the South Steyne’s faithful career as a Manly ferry.
But as we see, she’s been faithfully restored and is a perfect venue for all the mariners here this evening.
I’d like to acknowledge AIMEX as a peak body for Australia’s marine export industry. You represent the cream of Australia’s marine export capability in recreational marine and light commercial vessels.
AIMEX membership includes export champions such as Riviera, Ronstan, Seawind Catamarans, Quintrex and Stebercraft, to name but a few.
AIMEX had a strong link as the Australian agent to the 12th China International Boat Show in Shanghai last April, where the Australian pavilion showcased over 25 companies.
AIMEX was there in full force when Australia was given “Country of Honour” status, positioning Brand Australia as a world leader in marine excellence.
Sunrunner officially launched its new presence in China, Sunrunner China, as well as its partnership with Leisure Boating Club China. The company has since sold three of their 3,300 model in China.
Mustang also made sales at the Shanghai show. Why? Because they had boats on display there!
Now we have a 33-strong delegation from China here in Sydney to see for themselves an even wider range of Australian boats and marine products.
Here's a small sample of what they are after:
- Shanghai Marine Club is in Sydney to purchase 12 to 15 boats, plus pontoon facilities for their marina;
- Everpeace Yacht City wish to source boats, pontoons and find a joint venture partner for their marina operations; and
- Leisure Boating (China) are seeking houseboats; while
- Qingdao Rongsea is looking for yachts and water leisure equipment.
There are other great shows where AIMEX’s supports our exporting champions by providing international promotion of Australia’s excellence in marine at the world’s key exhibitions. Show such as:
- In Australia, the current, 40th Sydney International Boat Show and the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. It was at Sanctuary Cove that Seawind Catamarans reaped the wind, selling 11 vessels - six Seawind 1160s and five Seawind 1000XLs - totalling close to $5 million;
- in the USA, the International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX);
- in Amsterdam, the Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS); and
- in the Middle East, the Dubai International Boat Show.
And there are other emerging markets, such as Russia.
Quintrex, which produces 16,000 aluminium boats a year, exporting over 1000 boats to 22 countries, has landed its first orders from Russia. I know about this, because Austrade helped them!
Another way AIMEX promotes Australian marine expertise, innovation and entrepreneurship is through its regular publication, The Exporter and their comprehensive yearbook, The Australian Guide to Innovation and Excellence in Marine Exports.
And, of course, your website is a window to the world for potential buyers.
AIMEX and Austrade chart the same course.
We both assist Australian marine exporters to succeed internationally.
Austrade’s service to this partnership is through its international marine network of over 50 specialists in 26 countries.
So, you do the showcasing internationally and we do the business matching, bringing buyers of marine products and services to your members.
This is a happy marriage. Working together we have achieved a great deal in assisting marine exporters.
Please take advantage of our Marine Team here tonight:
- We’ve got Leigh Wilmott, our Marine Industry Network Team Leader;
- Deo Chand – up from Melbourne;
- Chris Jones here in Sydney;
- Lily Ruan from our Shanghai office, who many of you will know; and
- Huang Yong Tao from Qingdao.
They are here to help. From them you can find out more about the Chinese delegation and how we can assist you in other markets.
Thank you AIMEX for your services to Australian marine exporters.
Thank you to the key sponsor, FGI (Fiberglass International) leading supplier of resins and a wide range of composite materials.
Enjoy the evening; enjoy the Sydney Boat Show; long may we work together.
|