Unlike the situation in the UK, the shipbuilding industry remains an important part of Finland's economic future, and Turku is one of the largest, and most modern European centres in this sector. For example, Voyager of the Seas - the world's largest cruise ships, was delivered from the Turku shipyard in 1999, and four sister ships are being built here. Given this, it is not surprising that there are now plans to establish a maritime and technology research and training centre in the city.
This will support various maritime technology projects and offer a framework for creating a common plan of action for the maritime industrial sector. Most importantly, it will increase co-operation between the industry's central players in the Finnish maritime technology, metal and electronics sectors, and the training and research organisations in the field.
More specifically, through developing a cluster of expertise in this sector, Turku is aiming to strengthen its position as a national centre for the maritime cluster not only in Finland, but also across the Baltic Sea region.
The importance of the marine technology industry in the region is demonstrated by the fact that the metal and maritime technology is the Turku region's largest industry sector, with the mechanical engineering industry, which includes shipyards, employing around 40% of south-west Finland's industrial labour force.
Given that Wales has a proud history as a maritime nation, I am perplexed at the reluctance to support the development of a strong marine industry sector within Wales, especially given that in countries such as Finland, it is perceived as an integral part of the emerging knowledge economy.
With market trends suggesting that the marine industries sector is an expanding market, and the number of boat owners is increasing with more boat owners opting for larger and more expensive crafts, little is being done to encourage Welsh industrial participation in this growing market.
This is despite the fact that in the period 1998-2004, the total revenue for the UK marine leisure industry has grown from £1.26bn to £2bn. However, Wales only accounted for 3% of all marine leisure industry revenues in 2004 (or £59.6m, despite having nearly 10% of the UK's coastline.
Clearly, we are punching well below our weight as a nation in terms of the marine industry, especially given the huge potential for the sector. Given developments in Turku which are concentrated on the high technology aspects of this sector, there is certainly scope for the creation of more indigenous businesses within the marine industry in Wales and there is clearly a role for the Welsh Assembly Government in facilitating this expansion.
Whilst a necklace of marinas is being established around the Welsh coastline, we
need to also take advantage of the other opportunities within the sector, and it remains crucial that we follow the Turku example of not only being enthusiasts for sailing, but in developing the businesses that support and maintain this growing sector.
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