THE 9th China International Marine Fair was held in Qingdao from May 27 to 29.

    According to statistics given by the organizing committee, the three-day fair attracted more than 32,000 overseas professional buyers and boat lovers. The total business volume of the fair was 160 million yuan (US$24.6 million), increasing by 33 percent compared with last year.

    A total of 137 companies with more than 100 top yacht and boat brands from more than 20 countries and regions attended.

    The total exhibition area was 25,000 square meters. Among these, 45 percent of the coverage was for exhibitors from top yacht manufacturers and brands from around the world.

    Contracts for 58 projects worth more than 160 million yuan were signed at the fair. The city’s council for promoting international trade also signed an agreement with the Italian association of boats, aiming at promoting the fair in European countries.

    Meanwhile, a yacht regatta was held at the city’s Olympic Sailing Center during the fair and the team from Qingdao Evening Post won the championship.

    (Wang Yuanyuan, Shen Junlin)