Marine equipment suppliers in the Middle East say that demand in the region for marine products is growing at a rapid pace
Marine equipment suppliers in the Middle East say that demand in the region for marine products is growing at a rapid pace. According to Trading Enterprises, the representative for Honda in the UAE, and one of the largest outboard suppliers in the region, demand for its outboard engines is escalating. Guy Edmunds, sales & marketing manager for Trading Enterprises said Trading Enterprises total sales in marine products grew by 155 per cent between 1999 and 2000, as compared to 136 per cent growth rate between 1998 and 1999.
He said sales really began taking off in 1999, likely due to the growth in marine and boating infrastructure throughout the region. Edmunds also said the company will use the Middle East International Boat Show to be held March 20-23, 2002 at Airport Expo Dubai 2002, to launch the world’s first over 200 hp four stroke outboard engines in the Middle East and Africa.
“There is immense growth potential in this sector in the Gulf and Middle East regions – high disposable incomes, coupled with a superb coastline, strong government support for marina development and expanding tourism are key factors that will continue to sustain the growth of the marine sector in this region,” said Edmunds.
