Marintec China 2015 puts the spotlight on the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road

The two years since the last Marintec China event have not been the easiest for the Chinese maritime industries or the world of shipping in general. But this has not diminished the interest in doing business and the 18^th edition of Marintec China from 1 – 4 December is the biggest ever.

The figures speak for themselves with over 2,000 exhibiting companies, from 34 countries and regions occupying 80,000 sq m of space. The event is expected to attract over 60,000 visitors over a four-day period. As well as Asia’s largest maritime event it is also the second largest in the world.

China has been the driving force of growth in the shipping maritime industries in recent years and continues to play pivotal role and is making inroads into new areas. The Chinese government’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative has attracted interest from across the globe.

Speaking at media briefing ahead of the show, Michael Duck, executive vice president of co-organisers UBM Asia said: “Aligned with the China’s foreign policy and approach to the global economy, Marintec China is dedicating an area to the “21st-Century Maritime Silk Road”, spotlighting the development under the “Belt and Road” initiative. This major drive is designed to connect ports between China, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe, fostering cohesive economic ties.”

It also sees China moving into new areas and Duck noted: “One of the milestones of the initiative is the joint venture agreement inked last October between the world's largest cruise operator, Carnival Corporation, an American-British company, and China State Shipbuilding Corporation - CSSC, to develop a world-class cruise market in China. Visitors at Marintec China will be able to gain more insights of the initiative at the fair.”

The 21st Century Maritime Silk Road will also feature at the Senior Maritime Forum, where renowned speakers will also focus on the latest green innovations and technologies.