Hong Kong Boating Industry Association (HKBIA) AGM
by HKBIA 6 Aug 04:01 UTC
29 July 2026
Hong Kong BIA, AGM 2026 © HKBIA
AGENDA
1. Chairman's Report
2. Presentation of Accounts
3. Entrance Fees and Subscriptions
4. Elections for Chair / Deputy Chair / Hon Treasurer
5. Elections for Sector Reps
6. Election of Hon President
7. Election for Hon Secretary
8. AOB
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Lawrence Chow, Chairman, gave a comprehensive report on the activities of the Association in the form of a PowerPoint presentation. Topics included participation in the Chief Executive's Policy Unit Roundtable to discuss the current state of the leisure boating industry and ways to go forward, sponsoring the Asia Superyacht Night at the SYT Superyacht Summit, participation in the Legislative Council's Yachting Tourism and Economy Roundtable, the annual cocktail at the HK International Boat Show, and a number of initiatives designed to further the 'opening-up' of the Greater Bay Area to Hong Kong pleasure vessels.
Current Government in 'the yacht economy' involves the development of a marina at the new Skytopia facility at HK International Airport', the expansion of mooring facilities in the Aberdeen area, and a marina at Hong Hom. HKBIA has been substantially engaged with the Government on these matters.
HKBIA has also engaged with relevant bodies concerning designated anchorage area, standards for charter vessels, and regulatory adjustments pertaining to northbound yacht travel within the Greater Bay Area.
Under the aegis of the Hon President, Paul Zimmerman, HKBIA has been involved in the launch of a new website, www.greaterbayarchipelago.com, designed to provide information for yachts intending to cruise the Greater Bay Archipelago, including the coastal islands from Jiangmen/Chuanshan all the way to Daya Bay. Conversely, HKBIA has also prepared a number of cruising itineraries aimed at China-registered yachts visiting Hong Kong.
HKBIA members participated in a 'GBA Marina and Port Tour', visiting Nansha, Shekou, and Shenzhen, and also joined in the 'GBA Maiden Voyage' to mark the inauguration of easy access to Zhuhai and Nansha.
HKBIA has lost a couple of members over the last 12 months, but also gained new ones. The loss was mostly as a result of poor trading conditions. Membership fees will not be increased. The Chairman called for a coordinated membership drive, and outlined proposals for two new classes of membership - Associate Members (freelancers, 1-man companies, retired professionals etc) and Boat Owners (fees for which could be collected through clubs and marinas renting berths/moorings). The ongoing goal is to collect sufficient funding on an annual basis to support a Secretariat.
The Chairman also made a strong call for Member Input, citing participation in Working Groups (promoting GBA free travel, sponsorship of the greaterbayarea.com website, supporting the forthcoming ICOMIA World Marinas Conference 2027 in Shanghai, providing volunteer admin support, promoting membership).
PRESENTATION OF ACCOUNTS
In spite of a decline in members and therefore membership income, the Reserves of the HKBIA remain very healthy. However, the Treasures recommends that the Association works towards diversifying income through events, sponsorship, and partnerships. Members voted to keep entrance fees and membership fees unchanged for 2026-27. Accounts were accepted as presented.
ELECTIONS
The position of Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Hon Treasurer were all re-elected, unopposed. The five Sector Representatives were re-elected, unopposed.
The Hon President and Hon Secretary were re-elected, unopposed.
There being no other business, the meeting was closed at 19.35h and members finished up the evening with drinks and canapes.