MIPIM Asia 2010, held in Hong Kong at the Convention Centre in Wanchai from November 10-12, 2010 – representing FIABCI were :

• Giancarlo Bracco, President – FIABCI-Italy
• Elizabeth Davidson, President, Pacific NW Council – FIABCI-USA
• Judith Sykes, Honolulu – FIABCI-USA

This was a very well-attended event with major representation from the Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan, Vietnam and Korean Governments.

Exciting exhibits were displayed; most notable were the New Iconic Cruise Terminal for Hong Kong, introduction of the Technology Ocean in Hsinchu County and High Speed Rail in Taiwan; with government officials/representatives from the Council for Economic Planning & Development Executive Yuan (office) presenting –

• Mr. Ming-Yi Chiang, Specialist – Department of Urban and Housing Development, and
• Mr. Wang-Hsiang Hwang, Ph.D., Deputy Minister

There also seemed to be a heavy representation of architectural firms who are poised strategically for the booming building industry that is apparent in this region. Representatives from these companies seem especially interested in the Prix d’Excellence Awards. I believe FIABCI should see a surge of new memberships from this area.

The quality of the speakers was excellent. We’ve all learned a lot from the various lectures during the three-day Expo. It was very exciting to hear the views of the movers and shakers in this region; investment gurus, financiers, attorneys, bankers, developers, as well as government officials in the Hong Kong SAR government.

It was a very successful trip with tons of contacts made. The highlights were the speech by keynote speaker and Economy Nobel Prize Winner, Prof. Joseph E. Stiglitz from Columbia University as well as the MIPIM Asia Awards 2010.

FIABCI members attending: I was also pleased to meet Mr Nan-Yuen Huang, President – FIABCI-Taiwan, Mr. Daniel Dela Cruz, FIABCI-Philippines as well as Ms. Susan Greenfield, Manhattan – FIABCI-USA.

This is a very worthwhile event and we all came away with many great contacts and potential FIABCI members!



The weak U.S. Dollar is good news for foreign investors! Now foreign investors can buy more real estate for their same financial investment because of their increased purchasing power.  Even in comparatively strong residential markets like Portland and Seattle, prices can be considerably lower than in competing cities. And with direct flights to major hubs,  access to Portland and Seattle is convenient.

“U.S. real estate has always been a popular option for buyers around the globe,” said Tu Packard, senior economist for Moody’s Economy.com. “The appeal lies in the general stability of the country compared with others throughout the world.   Add to that the fact that the dollar is so weak and interest rates are low and house prices are at their lowest in years… it’s a compelling combination for a home buyer,” she said.  “The U.S. dollar’s trade rate is the weakest it has been since the 1970s,” she continued, as reported in a MarketWatch article written by Amy Hoak.

Strong investment opportunities exist in all sectors of the U.S. real estate market.  As always, real estate is a local business, so foreign investors will want to work with a U.S. real estate professional to best understand the various markets and the investment opportunities.

How can a foreign investor find the best U.S. real estate professional to meet their real estate needs? Through FIABCI, the International Real Estate Federation.

As FIABCI members, we have access and contacts in 65 countries around the world and throughout the U.S. FIABCI members understand real estate and cultures around the world.  Our clients make informed decisions about investments in my local market, nationally and internationally, based on our experience and the contacts we have developed through FIABCI’s diverse network of real estate professionals.