SIMA08, business platform for international promoters
The international area of the Salón Inmobiliario Internacional de Madrid (SIMA) (Madrid International Real Estate Exhibition) has become the fair’s growth engine. Exhibitors from Latin America, Eastern Europe, United States and Asia choose the fair to increase their sales, establish contact networks with professionals and investors, and position their brand in Europe.

From the 8th to the 12th of April, in its tenth edition, SIMA will consolidate itself as a global business space. The exhibitors from Latin America this year are joined by those from the Far East and from countries with great residential growth (China, United Arab Emirates and South Africa). The presence of public institutions from Latin-American and European markets, and the visit of the main authorities in the real estate sector of emerging countries, made it possible for SIMA to become the privileged bridge between Europe and Latin America.

SIMA is the thermometer of the Spanish real estate activity, whether for its internal boom or its international projection. The height of international presence reflects the residential activity in the entire world. Territorial diversification is a strategy of promoters, entrepreneurs, investors and final buyers.  The Banco de España (Bank of Spain) informs that the investment of Spaniards in real estate abroad increased to 2,619 million Euros by September 2007, 69% more than in the same period the previous year and more than 11% of that registered at the close of 2006, which was 2,346 million Euros. “Nowadays, not only the promoting companies move on a global stage, also the Spanish buyer reached the necessary maturity to do so and is looking for opportunities in other markets. On the other hand, there are new tools and vehicles that facilitate the management of a buyer’s investments abroad”, points out Santiago Herreros de Tejada, International Expansion Director of SIMA08.

Eastern Europe in sight
The emerging markets of Eastern Europe are another objective of Spanish promoters and investors.  Countries like Poland and Bulgaria offer business opportunities and high yields for the expert investor. Bulgaria will be one of the markets with more presence in SIMA. “Bulgaria is a country which was successful with the transition from a dictatorship to a democratic system. In addition, it is a member of the European Union, and macroeconomic stability and sustained growth characterize its emerging economy,” explains Santiago Herreros de Tejada. Companies like Inmoban and Bulgaria House will participate in the tenth edition of SIMA.

Without doubt, the Eastern Europe protagonist will be Rumania, with 22 million inhabitants and the largest country in the Balkans. For its size, one can say that it is a candidate to become the leader in the region. As a matter of fact, it is already an investor’s destination, among other things, as it is a key location on the European map. “Rumania is a member of the European Union, but compared to other member countries, the prices of the real estate sector are still low. We also can count on a great potential in the residential sector: 90% of Rumanians think about acquiring a new dwelling in the next ten years, while 40% will carry out this idea”, points out Ilias Papageorgiadis, General Director of More International Invest.

Brazil at the fair
Brazil will have a very outstanding presence in the fair. With the largest stand of the show and fifty promoter companies, the International Program will dedicate a monographic session to the real estate investment in the South American country, with João Batista, President of Secovi-SP, the Association of Real Estate Promoters of São Paulo.
Brazil’s presence will translate into an outstanding leadership in the International Program, which has included a monographic session called Workshop Brazil, in which the real estate market of the South American country, its business opportunities and the keys to invest with safety will be analyzed. For this, different experts will contribute their opinion and expertise, and will answer questions from the investors and professionals.

SIMA conquers Asia
SIMA welcomes for the first time the real estate offerings of Asian exhibitors, thanks to a collaboration agreement signed between Planner Reed, the fair’s organizing company, and the Asian International Real Estate Expo and Conference (AIREEC). This agreement will permit receiving information from the investment markets of Spain, Europe, America and Africa, as in previous editions, and also China, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam and Singapore.
Thanks to this space and the collaboration of Susan Barlin, Director of AIREEC, the fair can count on the presence of the commercial representatives of the Asian markets that present the most business opportunities in the sector. On the other hand, several personalities of the institutional world will attend the fair, among them the Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines and the Minister of Tourism from that country.

Punta del Este celebrates its centennial at SIMA
Punta del Este comes to the Salón Inmobiliario de Madrid for the second consecutive year through Destino Punta del Este, a private-public group composed by the 21 more important real estate sector companies of the country, two hotel chains, BBVA Uruguay, Pluna Airlines and the administration of the Intendencia de Maldonado (one of the 19 provinces that conform Uruguay). This delegation, which in this assembly will celebrate the centennial of the foundation of this beautiful resort city, comes to the fair with the most exclusive offer of second residence in Latin America.

Panama and its offers
For another year, Panama will have an important attendance at the event. The Central American country which became known for being one with the greatest real estate development of the last years, will once more present at SIMA a varied portfolio of buildings and investment opportunities. As in previous years, the exhibitors hope to offer the best consultation and assistance to those who are interested in investing, residing or acquiring a second residence. The varied portfolio will offer projects in the capital city, the beaches and the mountains.

More information
maria.alonso@gplanner.com
gonzalo.leon@gplanner.com
diego.uriarte@gplanner.com
www.simaexpo.com