Marintec China’s Proves To Be a Success

Marintec China, which took place in Shanghai from December 4 to 7 2001, has proven that the show is the definitive maritime event not only in China, but also in the Asia Pacific region for the maritime industry. Figures say it all: 13,000 sq. miles of gross exhibition area, 778 participating companies from 31 countries and regions, 14 national pavilions and 22,865 unique visitors out of which 1,608 are international visitors coming from outside China. Marintec China 2001 was the largest and the most successful show ever held in its history since inception in 1981.

For the first time at Marintec China 2001, all visitors were requested to register prior to admission. This was to ensure that only qualified trade visitors were allowed in and the unique number of visitors could be recorded. In the past 10 editions, visitors were recorded by the frequency of entry. This year, the multiple entry figure of visitors is 38,633, representing a 7.3 percent increase compared to the last edition in 1999.

Marintec China 2001 drew its curtain with applause from both exhibitors and visitors. Exhibitors were greatly satisfied with the high traffic level and, more importantly, with the quality of new contacts made. They had been doing good business with new orders signed up. For example, MacGREGOR Group AB (Sweden) signed orders for elevators for Chinese Navy newbuildings at its stand on 5 December. John Southerden, Director, British Marine Equipment Association (the United Kingdom), said, “most of the British exhibitors signed new orders at the exhibition.” Positive and encouraging comments were reflected in the visitor survey conducted in the four-day event. “The scale of Marintec China 2001 is very large with enormous number of participating companies. The exhibition definitely is of high quality,” said Mr Huang Chun Ming, Engineer, Shanghai Marine Equipment Research Institute (China).

The new section, Port China 2001, held alongside with Marintec China this year, was also well received. It provided an excellent opportunity for both exhibitors and trade visitors to explore the full potential of the burgeoning transport, distribution and logistics sectors in China. Port China will again be featured in a larger extent in the next edition of Marintec China in 2003.

Senior Maritime Forum, the high-level concurrent conference event, received tremendous support from senior government officials, representatives from internationally renowned trade organisations and leading companies in both domestic and foreign maritime circles. 927 conference delegates participated and they all had enjoyed an informative and enlightening three-day conference entitled “The New Economic Era and Global Maritime Cooperation”.

As addressed by Yan Jun Qi, vice mayor of Shanghai, in the keynote speech in the Senior Maritime Forum on 4 December, Shanghai is a fast growing modern international metropolis and the prospects of building Shanghai into an international shipping centre are excellent. “With Shanghai being such an important city in the shipbuilding, shipping and port industry in China, we confirm that the next edition of Marintec China will continue be staged in Shanghai. As more and more participating companies and visitors are expected, the 12th edition of Marintec China will be held at a brand new venue – Shanghai New International Expo Centre located at the Pudong district,” said Mr Michael Duck, Senior Vice President, CMP Asia Ltd.

The international and Chinese maritime industry professionals will meet again at Marintec China 2003 which is scheduled for 2 – 5 December 2003. The exclusive show co-organized by CMP / Seatrade and the Shanghai Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SSNAME), the biennial Marintec China plays a significant role in bridging Chinese and overseas companies in the maritime industry, allowing exchange of vital market information and sharing valuable experiences.