THIS year’s boat show will live up to its international moniker as exhibitors and marine industry doyens pour in from countries including Taiwan, Dubai, Thailand, Korea, UK, New Zealand, France, China and Singapore.

The Australian marine industry turns over around $5.5 billion and exports more than $750 million worth of products each year. It consists of 2700 companies employing more than 29,000 people and includes many small and medium-sized companies.

The Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) regards the show as a key event within its annual program. CEO MaryAnne Edwards has been traversing key offshore markets with Barry Jenkins – the event’s former general manager and now president of the Australian Marine Industries Federation.

“This year once again we have been successful in working with Austrade to bring a number of international visitors and delegations to the show,” says Edwards.

“The work Barry Jenkins does by attending international boat shows with AIMEX and also undertaking speaking engagements internationally has put SC on the map.”

Australian marine industry exporters are commanding a significant place on the world stage and AIMEX believes these companies deserve recognition for their initiative, innovation, quality and expertise and the contributions they are making to ensure the ‘Australian made’ brand is at the forefront of global markets.

The Australian Marine Industry Export Awards (Sydney, July 30) have been launched to celebrate the nation’s top exporters.

“Awards such as these ensure that Australian marine industry manufacturers and service providers get the profile they deserve, not only in the domestic market but in the international arena. The marketing value to a business of winning an export award cannot be underestimated,” says Edwards.

AIMEX has also linked with Enterprise Connect (Department of Innovation, Industry, Scienceand Research) and the Australian Marine Industries Federation (AMIF) to host 10 national business seminars this month.

Edwards says the seminars have been launched to assist marine industry manufacturing businesses to remain competitive, be innovative and develop appropriate business and manufacturing strategies to manage the current economic downturn.

“Whilst most businesses would acknowledge they need additional knowledge and expertise in these areas most do not have the time to find it or cannot afford to pay for it,” she says.

“By running these workshops we hope to provide the knowledge and tools to allow the marine industry to be innovative, efficient and competitive and survive these difficult times. We also see these times as more important than ever to develop opportunities where the industry can meet together with their peers to discuss issues that are affecting everyone in this climate, this type of networking within a seminar environment can be invaluable support for individuals struggling to know the best strategy to take in this market.”

The seminars will be hosted in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.