On the back of strong production growth, Taiwan can realistically expect to become a top five manufacturing country for yachts 80-foot or above, Wang said.
The TAITRA chairman made the remarks at the launch of the inaugural Taiwan International Boat Show in Kaohsiung City, southern Taiwan. Held in the recently opened 4.5-hectare Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, the event attracted a record 10,000 visitors on opening day.
A total of 168 firms—including 38 from Australia, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, New Zealand, Singapore, Sweden, the U.K., U.S. and mainland China—are showcasing a tip-top selection of marine craft and maritime services in 861 indoor booths and 20 marina berths at the center.
Kaohsiung City Mayor Chen Chu, who also attended the launch, said with overall value of the exhibition estimated at more than NT$7 billion (US$232.6 million), the four-day show is projected to generate NT$5 billion in direct industry output.
According to ShowBoats International’s 2014 Global Order Book, Taiwan is the world’s sixth largest manufacturing country for yachts 80-foot or above, with 5,656 feet under construction in total. In addition, local yacht output has seen continuous growth since 2012.
John Lu, president of the Taiwan Yacht Industry Association, said homegrown manufacturers expect to see further expansion of the nation’s yacht construction sector through industrial integration opportunities facilitated by the show.
As government regulations are further eased, Lu added, Taiwan’s yacht industry value chain can start playing a more versatile role, advancing from manufacturing to providing all-round solutions for design, marketing, recreation and sales. (YHC-JSM)
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