News Release: Commerce leads delegation to Amsterdam for METSTRADE marine equipment show Nov. 15-17
Washington state-led delegation makes debut, seeks to tap European, global marine equipment markets featuring innovative Puget Sound companies Basta Boatlifts and Pure Watercraft.
Olympia, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Commerce kicks off the state’s first official appearance at METSTRADE, the world’s largest marine equipment trade show, tomorrow in Amsterdam. Innovative products for the recreational boating market from Bellevue-based Basta Boatlifts and Seattle-based Pure Watercraft will highlight the “Choose Washington” presence in the U.S. Pavilion Nov. 15-17. METSTRADE is expected to attract 20,000 business participants from 112 countries this year, representing major maritime market segments including super yachts, construction materials and marinas and boatyards.
In addition, Commerce provided a State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) voucher, funded through the U.S. Small Business Administration, to assist Smartplug Systems with its solo exhibit.
“Washington’s maritime industry is a growing, diverse and interdependent network relevant to today’s needs. Our strong maritime companies, large and small, are engaged worldwide and offer solutions and products created with values of innovation, quality and best practices,” said Joshua Berger, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s sector lead and director of maritime economic development for the state Department of Commerce.
Washington State’s maritime industry encompasses 2,100 companies, employing nearly 60,000 workers generating more than $15 billion in gross business income and $4 billion in wages annually. The state’s 3,200 miles of coastline, 50,000 miles of rivers and streams, and direct access to the Pacific Ocean shipping lanes have supported a rich maritime history. Jobs in the sector include cargo handling and logistics, fishing and seafood processing, ship and boat building, repair and maintenance, passenger vessel operations, recreational boating, military support and support services and marine technology.
“We are proud to represent Washington State and U.S. innovation in the marine industry. There is increasing interest and activity in the European market and we look forward to strengthening these ties,” said Sam Basta, CEO and founder of Basta Boatlifts. “The Department of Commerce has been a great help in expanding our business overseas and discovering new resources.”
Other Washington-based companies exhibiting independently at the show are Blue Sea Systems, Polyform US and Ram Mounts.
Commerce provides services to help small businesses expand through international trade and exports. Exhibiting companies in this year’s delegation receive assistance from Commerce and their contract representative firm in Europe. Support includes help promoting their products and services to potential partners and buyers.
Learn more about how the state’s export assistance programs help create new market opportunities and partnerships.
Follow the Washington State METSTRADE delegation in Amsterdam next week on twitter @WAStateCommerce.
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Contact: Penny Thomas, Commerce Press Office, (206) 256-6106