Victorian companies once again impressed at this year’s 2012 Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) in Amsterdam. METS is the world’s largest trade exhibition of equipment, materials and systems for the international marine leisure industry. Victorian marine exporters represented 30% of the Australian contingent, a result achieved with Victorian government assistance to ensure these companies were able to have and for some able to maintain their profile in this market.
The Australian Marine Industry Export Group (AIMEX) organise the Australian Pavilion at international shows assisting Australian marine exporters to showcase their products and services globally. AIMEX continually work with state and federal governments to ensure awareness of the successes and potential in the marine export industry and to drive support of these businesses to assist them in their business development globally.
This year, the Victorian Government has been proactive in assisting Victorian marine companies with their international promotion; METS being the first of two missions within this financial year which Victorian companies will receive support for. Organisation of a trade mission to Turkey in February alongside the Dubai International Boat Show is also underway.
Ten Victorian companies exhibited as part of the Australian Pavilion including; Glowfast,Kinetic, MultiPanel, Vuplex, Marine Technologies Australia, Rae-Line, Palm Plastics, Ronstan, Kinetic and Barniclerid. All ten companies made valuable connections and were able to meet with current and potential distributors and business contacts. Many were able to secure sales and new distributor networks in Europe leaving the busy three day show with considerable leads and follow up to be done.
Victorian Government Agent General Sally Capp attended METS and met with each of the Victorian exhibitors. Capp was able to broaden the companies’ horizons further and assist them with contacts and networking opportunities across Europe.
The Victorian Government together with AIMEX hosted the exclusive ‘Australian Outback Party.’ This function saw over 130 leaders in the global marine industry enjoying Australian food and wine whilst utilising the invaluable networking opportunities.
