AIMEX and Gold Coast City Council join forces for METS

The Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) says it is working with the Gold Coast City Council in a drive to encourage local marine industry exporters to have a presence at the Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS), the world’s largest marine equipment and services trade exhibition, in Amsterdam from November 17 to 19. 

Currently there are more than 30 AIMEX member companies exhibiting in the Australian pavilion.

METS is one of the largest attended shows and a great opportunity for companies serious about exporting as it attracts exhibitors and visitors from all over the world, AIMEX said.

According to the group, the Gold Coast marine industry is a significant contributor to the local economy, employing approximately 2600 workers and manufacturing 65 per cent of all recreational boats made in Australia. Recognising the important role exporting plays in growing a business, Gold Coast City Council has endorsed an export-assistance scheme as part of its economic stimulus package.

Darren Scott, Director of Economic Development and Major Projects at Gold Coast City Council said: “The export-assistance scheme will support local firms to access international markets, and promote export and international business development opportunities.

“Gold Coast marine businesses will partner with Council and AIMEX at METS in Amsterdam in 2009. Council's export-assistance scheme will allow our small to medium operators, who would not normally be able to finance such activities, the opportunity to showcase their products and services at the world's largest exhibition for the international marine leisure industry.

“Council remains committed to the continued development of a robust Gold Coast marine industry and looks forward to working with our local marine businesses to reach new markets and customers,” said Scott.

AIMEX CEO, MaryAnne Edwards said: “This support by the Gold Coast City Council for their marine industry manufacturers to drive their export markets and look at opportunities is fantastic. The marine sector is a significant contributor to the Queensland economy and the value of supporting these businesses particularly during the current global economic climate cannot be underestimated.”