India International Boat Show concludes

Kochi, Oct 22 (UNI) The fifth India International Boat Show (IIBS), which provided new growth opportunities for the world's boating, marine and water sports industry, concluded here today.

Delivering the valedictory address, Kerala Minister for Fisheries S Sarma said the show had given a 'new light' as boating is inevitable to the tourism industry in the state.

Reiterating the importance of boating he said the beauty of the state can be enjoyed only through good boating facilities and without it the industry would be 'handicapped'.

Vice Admiral J S Bedi, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Naval Command said, in view of the potential of the backwaters in the state, west coast line from Kollam to Kottapuram is being developed as a National Highway No 3.

He said 95 per cent of the country's boating market was confined to the Indian Navy, government agencies and boat services.

The leisure boating industry is expected to touch 10 to 15 per cent from the present five per cent in the near future, he noted.

The best exhibitor award was bagged by Goa Glass Fibre from Mumbai, the best exhibit award went to Floating Dock Systems for Sea Spray Aluminium Boats.

The Boating Innovation Award for the year was awarded to ALFA Eco Systems for their LPG Conversion Kits for outboard motors.

The three-day show with 63 exhibitors, more than 500 registered buyers and around 1000 visitors provided the perfect platform to meet potential partners, hold one-to-one meetings and explore more growth horizons.

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