Alan Steber – Managing Director, Steber International and Director of Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX)
Steber International is looking to establish a distributorship in South Korea following attendance at the Korea International Boat Show.
It was Steber’s first foray into the Korean market and follows close on the heals of attendance at the Shanghai Boat Show and setup of a China distribution agent.
Managing Director, Alan Steber was also a keynote speaker at a marine safety rescue conference held in conjunction with the eighth Korea show.
The event filled three huge exhibition halls and linked with other leisure sectors including camping, on-water sports, and RV’s as well as a wide range of boats.
“We received a number of good inquiries, plus firm interest on a Steber distributorship”, Mr Steber said.
“Korea is keenly promoting tourism and leisure/lifestyle activities and after inspecting a number of marinas I expect the marine market to grow accordingly.
“The country is also looking at the introduction of a marine rescue/coastguard operation which would involve purpose-built vessels coupled with professional training – something Steber is well equipped to support”, he said.
While at the show, Mr Steber signed a Memorandum of Understanding between Gyeonggi Province (owners of the boat show) and the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) of which he is a director and past president.
The aim of the M.O.U. is to encourage development and support of reciprocal business initiatives and investment.
AIMEX has supported the Korea boat show since its inception and during his address, Mr Steber said it was fitting that the two parties formalise the relationship with the aim “to develop an even closer co-operation between our two countries”.
“The overall Australian marine leisure boating industry is valued at $7.5 billion with export earnings contributing $1.2 billion to Australia’s export receipts.
“The superyacht sector currently is valued at approx. $250 million with huge potential to grow.
“Trade development is based on trust and reliable partnerships. What you have achieved in eight short years from a situation of a zero base is a remarkable testimony to Korean energy, vision and determination – qualities that we in Australia admire and also aspire to.
“We look forward to working with you to make the next eight years the foundation for opportunity and prosperity for both the Australian and Korean marine industry”, he concluded.
Prior to the Korea boat show, Steber’s displayed their new 38 Commercial Cruiser at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show in Queensland.
On-water demonstrations followed what was an impressive show for the company, with inquiries ranging from commercial vessels, through sports fishers, up to the luxury Steber 65ft cruiser.
