Virtual Boat Show Sri Lanka 2021 a success

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute (BTI) in association with Ministry of Trade organised the first-ever international Virtual Boat Show Sri Lanka 2021 from 25-29 October.

The show was ceremonially inaugurated by Minister of Trade  Dr. Bandula Gunawardena in the presence of State Ministry of Warehouse Facilities, Container Yards, Port Supply Facilities and Boats & Shipping Industry Development Secretary Dhammika Mataraarachchi, Ministry of Trade Additional Secretary Kanthi Gunawardena, EDB Chairman Suresh D. de Mel, EDB Director General Chitranjali Dissanayake, BTI Managing Director Gamini Herath, members of the Advisory Committee on Boat and Ship Building and other distinguished guests.

The Minister emphasised the importance of increasing export revenue form export of non-traditional products. “I am confident that the boat and ship building sector will play a major role in generating much needed foreign exchange in the country.”

“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 EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Suresh De Mel.

The 7th edition of the Boat Show was organised 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 and 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 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 via www.boatshowsrilanka.com allowed buyers, investors, journalists and other interested parties to interact with the exhibitors through live streaming, text and prescheduled virtual meetings.

Around 40 leading boat and ship building companies, accessory manufacturers and charter operators displayed their products and services in a virtual platform and nine 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 three months, allowing both exhibitors and visitors to source their requirements during this period.