These views will be communicated to the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO) for consideration and action.

The ICOMIA Congress was hosted by the German Marine Industry Association (MIA), DBSV, and attended by representatives of 19 MIAs.

The congress was held in conjunction with that of IFBSO, which was hosted by Hamburg Messe and Congress.

The following committee meetings were held: EURMIG Strategy Board, Environment, External Affairs, Technical, Statistics, Trade and Regulatory Affairs.

A workshop on the Economic Benefits of Recreational Boating was held, co-chaired by Jim Petru of the US National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Dr Ed Mahoney of Michigan State University.

Tony Rice, ICOMIA secretary general, said this is the beginning of a process to develop harmonised terminology and definitions, methods of collection and analysis so that industry is best able to present its contribution to national, regional and the global economies.

The ICOMIA AGM was held on May 28. Jouko Huju of FINNBOAT continues as ICOMIA president for his second year with the Executive Committee for the next year: vice presidents Graeme Avers (AMIF), Bjorn Lagerkvist (SWEBOAT); members Fritz Conyn (HISWA), Thom Dam-mrich (NMMA), David Lewin (BMF), Mme Annette Roux (ECNI) and Lorenzo Selva (UCINA).

Congress 2006 will be held in Gothenburg from May 31 to June 4.