03.04.2015
The Pickard team was heading to MIPIM 2015, our 11th attendance, without too much optimism for obvious reasons. Still, we had certain expectations of the forthcoming event as ahead were scheduled meetings with partners and clients, interesting conferences, acquaintances and of course the Kyiv stand presentation and reception with our Mayor Klitschko.
How will we remember MIPIM 2015?
- By one of the common topics of the event, which was one way or another discussed by all participants. The topic was the large-scale economic stimulus programme for the Eurozone launched by the European Central Bank shortly before the exhibition. The programme will last to September 2016 and is targeted at purchase of both private and government bonds to increase market liquidity. This news certainly cheered the real estate market players; as such a strong incentive for the development of European economy should lead to positive changes in many spheres including real estate. However, some of the economists questioned the effectiveness of this “doling out” cash, considering this programme to be risky and causing negative consequences in the future. Other memorable topics under discussion were: smart cities and urban development, the digital revolution, problems and regulations on the investment market.
- The widespread presence of Eastern and Central European countries. Stands of cities and regions of Poland, the Czech Republic and other countries of Eastern Europe in the Riviera Hall couldn’t be ignored, as they were lively throughout the whole exhibition. It is no surprise, as in 2014 Poland attracted 3 billion euro of investment, “without breaking a sweat”, as Poles themselves say. The Czech Republic attracted approximately 2 billion euro. Hungary and Romania also entered the investment arena. On the whole the experts gave optimistic forecasts for Czech Republic the markets of Eastern and Central Europe.
- There was a noticeable reduction of Russia’s presence. There were no huge stands of Moscow or Greater Moscow Area this time, nor large-scale pavilions of the Krasnodar or other regions, and no posh parties. The number of participants from Russia more than halved and Russian MIPIMalism suddenly disappeared.
- By far the largest 3D model was of Central London. But it was not only the model that attracted visitors to London’s Stand where more than 300 companies were represented. An abiding interest for this market has always been and remains. So the London’s Stand was always distinguished by the large inflow of visitors.
- The MIPIM Awards gala ceremony. Although the award ceremony of the best investment projects is held every year, this time it seemed to be more spectacular. As always, there were 10 categories plus the People’s Choice Award. The most impressive projects were a shopping centre in Rotterdam, designed by Dutch architects, a “green” building in Sidney by a French architect, and the project of Marseille's new waterfront – wonderful example of transformation of abandoned industrial territory and an old port into a modern coastal zone.
- And last but not least– the debut of the new team of Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA) headed by Mayor Vitali Klitschko. For the first time the Mayor of the capital opened the Ukrainian state at MIPIM. At such difficult times for our country, in order to participate at the international forum with its own stand and to present the investment potential of the capital, a number of local developers and KCSA combined their efforts. The official presentation of the stand took place early on the second day of the exhibition, which was opened by Mayor Vitali Klitschko. His appearance gathered quite a sizeable audience. In his speech he appealed to investors to consider new possibilities, which are now open in Kyiv, and assured them of his support and patronage. The Mayor briefly described these transformations, which had taken place after he was elected: about the fight against bureaucracy and corruption, reforms in public management, development of an online budget, implementation of electronic tenders, steps on the facilitation and transparency of work with investors. He also mentioned some important projects for the city in the sphere of energy saving solutions, real estate, transportation, various infrastructure areas. Then the Mayor introduced to the audience Oleh Mistyuk, the Head of Investment Agency, who elaborated on these issues all in perfect English.
Hopefully, at the exhibition the KCSA team successfully held all the planned meetings with potential investors and partners. Whereas Pickard team and other Ukrainian companies had the possibility to get better acquainted with KCSA delegation and to communicate in a casual and friendly atmosphere at the Ukrainian stand with a glass of cool Chablis.