Vienna was the host of one of Old World's largest real estate and investment fairs, known worldwide under the name of Real Vienna. This is the only business fair for real estate and investments which specializes exclusively in the markets of Central and Southeast Europe. As such, it represents an ideal place to showcase the possibilities for investing in countries of this region. Just like last year, when it first presented its real estate potential, Serbia was once again successful in seizing this opportunity.

As last year, Serbian Investment and Export Promotion Agency (SIEPA) once again managed the participation of local companies and municipality representatives at this important fair.

Serbia's national booth was sprawled over 100 square metres of space. It was divided into two thematic units: "Serbia - Discover the Possibilities" and "Belgrade - City of the Future." This booth was used to present the local companies, our cities, and one municipality to Europe and the world, along with two specialized investment pulling agencies. Also making their appearance were the real estate agency "Legat," "Small Steps" business park management company from Mali Idjos, and representatives of our local real estate and investment fair, BelRE.

Other participants included the representatives of Kragujevac, Subotica, and Vranje, the municipality of Indjija, and representatives of the Belgrade Land Development Agency (Beoland).

Foreign investors who visited the Vienna fair expressed their interest in coming to Serbia and investing in our potentials, which cannot be further developed without the aid of foreign capital. In addition to the increase in real estate, this capital would also bring more work for those participating in its development.

The proof that the foreign investors expressed great interest in Serbia is contained in the words of Jasna Matic, State Secretary of the Ministry for Economy and Regional Development. She stated for the local media that huge interest was shown in investing in Serbia at the Real Vienna fair, and that everyone had a positive outlook towards our country, because everybody can recognize the great possibilities which Serbia possesses in all investment-related fields, and primarily in the real estate sector.

She emphasized that all aspects of real estate in Serbia, including business space, residential development, shopping malls, and retail, show that the demand outstrips the supply, which means the profit margins are fairly high and the foreign investors are expressing interest in coming to our market.

The greatest interest in investing in Serbia, particularly in the real estate market, was shown by the Austrian, German, and Israeli investors, as well as the large international investment funds.

It bears reminding that last year's fair was attended by 196 exhibitors from 21 countries from our region, and it attracted 3,800 visitors from 25 countries. This year saw a 20 percent increase in the number of exhibitors, and, correspondingly, a growth in visits made by the professionals and the investors.

Snezana Prljevic
[published: 06/06/2008.]