MIPIM Asia 2006: The Key To Property Markets In Asia Pacific

MIPIM Asia 2006: The Key To Property Markets In Asia Pacific

August 04, 2006

    HONG KONG, Aug. 4 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- MIPIM Asia,
the world's property market in Asia Pacific will be held at
the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 27 to 29
September 2006.  A series of practical country profiles,
providing key information on real estate investments, has
been produced in partnership with Cushman & Wakefield.

    An excellent working tool for preparing MIPIM Asia,
these profiles give a rapid but up to date snapshot of the
current real estate situation in Thailand, China, India,
Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Korea and Singapore.

    They focus on all relevant points:

    For example in Thailand, 2005 and 2006 were the most
dynamic years for investment during the last decade.  The
government has decided to start seven large-scale projects,
and forecasts a total real estate investment of US$44.75
billion over the next five years.

    China continues to surprise the world, forecasting
economic growth of 9.9%.  The building market is reaching
new heights with some US$200 billion entering this sector
in 2005 and 1.4 billion sq. metres currently under
construction. 

    In India, the real estate market is exploding. 
Shopping centres and multiplexes covering a total of 4.3
million sq. m. are due to be built in the next 24 months.

    The real estate market in Australia is at its peak
since 2005 with a series of large scale sales across the
country and a particularly high interest rate favourable to
property investment in large cities.  After 3 years of calm,
demand for office rentals is rising again in Sydney. 

    In Japan, economic growth and the increasing popularity
of real estate investment funds has triggered a sharp rise
in the value of real estate and of commercial leases in
large cities.  The percentage of unoccupied office
buildings is therefore very low at 3.5% in Tokyo and only
2% for class A properties. 

    In Hong Kong, following the success of 'The link REIT',
'Prosperity REIT' and 'GZI REIT' last year, the Champion
REIT' was listed on the stock market in May 2006 and many
more IPOs are planned by the end of the year. 

    With the recent rise in the quality of life and wealth
of Korea, the country has become a major site for
investment in Asia Pacific, offering new opportunities in
tourism real estate. 
 
    In Singapore, the government has begun an effective
pro-investment strategy for foreign investors.  Many firms,
especially in finance, are seeking more office space while
only 6% of office buildings are vacant.

    These country profiles give key figures, and vital
information for understanding and entering these markets,
such as the global property market situation, risks and
difficulties, and investment opportunities per country.
They are available at http://www.mipimasia.com . 

    For more information, please contact: 

     Ms Belinda Chan
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

SOURCE  Reed MIDEM