Apr. 10 – “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea” famously said Antoine de Saint- Exupéry. And “nostalgia” is still today the secret ingredient of the boating industry. From today until April 13, Shanghai is hosting an international event for companies in the sector, more specifically the 19th edition of the China International Boat Show, a salon dedicated to the field of yachting. And ICE – Agency for the promotion abroad and internationalization of Italian firms marked its calendar a long time ago, organizing in collaboration with UCINA (the Association representing the sector in Italy) the Italian pavilion and the participation of 18 Italian companies. “The Italian Pavilion – explains the ICE in a statement – is spread over an area of over 300 square meters, and it seeks to promote Italy’s technological excellence for the creation of leisure boats, their parts, accessories, equipment… all to increase the internationalization degree of the sector.” China is an interesting market for yachting: according to a report published by the China Cruise and Yacht Industry Association – Ccyia, the Chinese market increase demand thanks to the middle / high classes, an estimated 60.000 people with an income above $15 million, and about 4,500 people with an income above $150 million. According to the latest data, in 2013 the market for yachting in China was worth $2 billion, for a 10% increase compared to 2012, and forecasts show that growth is expected continued and reach $10 billion by 2020. Within the boating industry, the yachting sector is worth approximately $571 million.
