In particular, the industry group has announced that it will specifically be targeting Spain, Russia and Taiwan for the first time, along with its regular presence at IBEX in October, METS Amsterdam in November, Dubai International Boat Show in March 2009, and China International Boat Show in April 2009.

The trade mission will be undertaken in conjunction with Austrade.

Austrade lists key factors such as nearly 8000km of coastline, an estimated 320 marinas and Barcelona’s busy port movements as offering an exciting market opportunity for Australian companies in Spain.

Next year's Dubai International Boat Show (3rd to 7th March) will, as previously stated, feature an Australian presence, plus the AIMEX group intends to have a presence for the first time at the Moscow International Boat Show (9th to 12th April).

According to Austrade, Russia offers excellent opportunities for Australian companies, with an average economic growth of 7%, due in part to Moscow’s wealthy residents taking advantage of the extensive river and lake infrastructure around the city.

Additionally, the luxury boating market in Russia is reported to have grown 10-fold in the last ten years.

“AIMEX will be visiting Moscow followed by a Taiwan trade visit (April 13-14, 2009) and attendance at the China International Boat Show (April 16-19,2009),” commented AIMEX Chief Executive Mary Anne Edwards, going on to state that:

“The CEO of Horizon and President of the Taiwan Shipbuilders Association has offered to host a showcase event for AIMEX. Taiwan is home of Asia’s luxury boat building and marine equipment manufacturing industry."

“Taiwan is now the fourth largest producer of luxury boats in the world while this nation’s businessmen are influential in the global marine leisure industry," she concluded.