The top government official charged with developing recreational boating in China visited Maine last week on his way to the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. The visit was a follow-up to the Maine boat builders representing the U.S. at the China International Boat Show in April, through the support of Maine's North Star Alliance Initiative.

Mr. Yang Xinfa, Deputy Secretary General of China's Shipbuilding Industry, is the head of two of the most important government sponsored professional organizations in China -- The China Boat Industry and Trade Association, and the China Association of Shipbuilding Industry. He is instrumental in developing the recreational boating industry in China. Yang came to Maine to see first-hand what the state has to offer in terms of boats, marine products and boating lifestyle.

'As China's economy continues to grow, luxury boats are desired as a new status symbol," said Elaine Scott, director of marketing/communications for Maine's Department of Economic and Community Development and director of market/business development for the North Star Alliance.

"The visit presents an opportunity for Maine to promote its luxury brand boats to the Chinese consumer market," added Scott. She, along with Stephen Franck, China desk director for the Maine International Trade Center, hosted Mr. Yang's group for two days of tours of Maine's boatbuilding and marine industries.

Mr. Yang explained to his hosts that, "We came to Maine to continue to develop the good relationships that began earlier this year when Maine represented the United States at the China Boat Show. The Chinese are very interested in purchasing boats from overseas manufacturers, as it implies success and is seen as a status symbol."

The Chinese delegation's trip was focused on developing export opportunities for Maine's boats and marine products to China. The visit included a reception with Governor John Baldacci, visiting DiMillo's marina in Portland to learn about "clean" marina standards and a chance to step aboard a Sabre yacht.

'I was truly impressed with Mr. Yang and members of his delegation," said Governor Baldacci. "It's important for us to learn of the export opportunities that exist in China for our Maine-made products. I was honored by their visit and their desire to learn more about our rich maritime heritage and the Maine boatbuilding and marine industries."

The delegates also enjoyed taking a ride on Hodgdon Yacht's 80' classic commuter Liberty and touring the Hodgdon boatyard in East Boothbay. Chen Ferguson, consultant for the U. S. Department of Commerce and the China Boat Industry and Trade Association, was also a member of the delegation and was key in translating the guests' many questions about the details that go into creating a luxurious Maine-built yacht and the state's composite technology.

Mr. Yang continued to learn about the state's tradition at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the world's largest international boat show. There he met with senior management of Hinckley, Sabre and other Maine Built Boats members.

"Maine's boats are clearly at the top of the market in terms of quality," said Mr. Yang. "We truly enjoyed our visit to Maine."