Boat Show Sri Lanka opens today

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

The much awaited Boat Show Sri Lanka 2012 the boating industry's premier exhibition will be launched today at the BMICH in Colombo. The show will end on May 20.

Among the objectives of the Boat Show will be to create awareness regarding the industry, both locally and internationally. There will be many international participants from the region as well as other parts of the globe, Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute Managing Director Gamini B. Herath told Daily News Business.

"This will be a platform to reach industry potential. During the past three years boat building industry has improved its performance and has become a vibrant sector in the economy," he said.

Export earnings from the sector have steadily increased over the years and last year US $ 124 million revenue was generated through exports. The industry target is to top $ 0.5 billion by 2015.

The Boat Show 2012 has three fold focus of generating and expanding export earnings, increase investment in to the sector and share expert knowledge.

There will be three speakers, two from UK and one from Dubai to share knowledge and experience at the boating conference to be held on the final day. Speaking on the development of the local boat building industry, Herath said that more marinas and boat parks are needed to complement the growth prospects."The show will showcase new designs and products while attracting local and foreign orders. As boat building is a time consuming industry attracting young blood is important," he said.

The Boat Show 2012 had been marketed extensively in regional countries including Maldives, India and Pakistan.