November, 5, 2021
Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute (BTI) in association with Ministry of Trade organized the first ever international Virtual Boat Show Sri Lanka 2021 from 25th -29th October 2021.
The show was ceremonially inaugurated by Hon. (Dr) Bandula Gunawardena, Minister of Trade in the presence of Mr. Dhammika Mataraarachchi, Secretary, State Ministry of Warehouse Facilities, Container Yards, Port Supply Facilities and Boats & Shipping Industry Development, Mrs. Kanthi Gunawardena, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Mr. Suresh D. de Mel, Chairman EDB, Ms. Chitranjali Dissanayake, Director General, EDB, Mr. Gamini Herath, Managing Director, BTI, Members of the Advisory Committee on Boat & Ship building and other distinguished guests.
The Hon. Minister emphasized the importance of increasing export revenue form export of non-traditional products. “I am confident that the boat & ship building sector will play a major role in generating much needed foreign exchange in the country” Hon. Minister stated.
“High marine diversity of the country provides massive potential for the development of nautical tourism which will complement the development of the boat building sector. Therefore, it is equally important to facilitate the development of nautical tourism activities such as recreational boating, sailing, yacht chartering, water sports etc. for the benefit of the boat building sector” said Chairman & Chief Executive, Export Development Board.
The 7th edition of the Boat Show was organized virtually in order to continue the global presence of the show. To enhance the visibility of the Sri Lankan Boat and ship building Industry Internationally, position Sri Lanka as a quality sourcing destination for boat & ship building and marine tourism destination and to create new business opportunities for Sri Lankan boat and ship building companies during the pandemic period.
Following the success of the previous Boat Shows in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018, the virtual boat show was attracted a large number of buyers and visitors, boating enthusiasts, and industry professionals from countries worldwide.
The show was promoted extensively through Sri Lankan Missions overseas, industry related Associations, chambers etc., and through social media.
In addition, the virtual event showcased the country’s capabilities in recreational boating and yachting, nautical tourism, chartering, marine sports, boat building, and related services and opportunities for investment, marina infrastructure development etc.
The Virtual Boat Show www.boatshowsrilanka.com allowed buyers, investors, journalists and other interested parties to interact with the exhibitors through live streaming, text, pre scheduled virtual meetings.
Around 40 leading boat & ship building companies, accessory manufacturers and Charter operators displayed their products and services in a virtual platform and 9 exhibitors from India, Maldives, UAE and Singapore also displayed their products.
Over 500 visitors from Malaysia, Dubai, Turkey, Singapore, India, Maldives, Mauritius, South Korea, Australia etc. registered and Sri Lankan boat builders received positive inquiries from the buyers. The buyer negotiations are ongoing at present.
The fully fledged virtual platform will be maintained for a period of 03 months allowing both exhibitors and visitors to source their requirements during this period.
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