Italy to represent largest contingent at boat show

rganisers of the first Qatar International Boat Show (QIBS2013), scheduled for November 12-16 at Lusail Marina, have received a shot in the arm with Italian Ambassador Guido De Sanctis announcing his support for the event.

At least five Italian companies are exhibiting luxury boats at QIBS 2013, making the Mediterranean nation the largest national contingent represented at the show.

The Italian companies and shipyards include Ferretti Group (whose brands include: Ferretti, Pershing, Itama, Bertram, Riva, Mochi Craft, and CRN); Azimut; Overmarine (Mangusta); Benetti; Sanlorenzo; Cranchi; FIPA Group (Maiora, AB Yachts, Cbi Navi, Intermare); and SeaNet Custom Marine Solutions.

In addition to the shipyards, the Italian marine industry association, Ucina (Confindustria Nautica), a non-profit organisation for the development and promotion of the boating sector will also be present. The forum is working to encourage knowledge about the sea and boating tourism all over Europe.

The envoy said the Italian exports to Qatar amounted to $1.37bn in 2012, and by the end of this year that figure could touch $1.60bn. “Both Qatar and Italy are peninsulas and we have both developed a good relationship with the sea.

“In the 1950s and 60s, the Italians came into their own in the design of stylish yachts and we are now world leaders in this aspect of the maritime industry,” he said.

The ambassador added: “I have met some Italian designers here who don’t work with buildings, but work exclusively in the yachting industry. I have seen some photographs of what they have achieved in interior designs and each of them was very impressive. Many other countries are trying to catch up but the Italian ability to combine in a boat the elements of mechanics, comfort and beauty is a unique one.  This explains why our companies will represent the majority of the exhibitors at the QIBS.”

“Qatar as a country is a growing market and this growth is reflected in the maritime industry,” De Sanctis said, adding: “We understand that Qataris fully appreciate the special meaning of luxury. They like quality, improvement and customisation – just like us and ideally no two yachts should be identical. This is something we appreciate and know how to do. We are very good at custom made things.”

The Italian embassy has opened an office of the Italian Trade Commission, whose role is to assist Italian companies wanting to establish themselves in the local market. The Italian decision to enlarge its embassy demonstrates the importance that Italy places on improving trade with Qatar.

“We have now a stronger structure, able to offer better assistance to Italian companies wanting to establish themselves in Qatar, since we recognise that the country is a strongly growing market and the bilateral relationship between our two countries is improving exponentially. I wish the Qatar International Boat Show 2013 all possible success,” Guido De Sanctis concluded.

Guido De Sanctis, ambassador, Italy.