China in focus at Cityscape Dubai Conference

The world's largest international property investment and development event will play host to a delegation of industry experts from the orient, eager to create awareness of the investment opportunities in China.

The dedicated session on China will be presented by a total of six experts, on the final morning of the three-day conference. Zheng Xiaoping, Partner of Shanghai-based BAZO Investments will focus on the current investment opportunities and the emerging trends such as opportunities in diverse investment sectors and the prospects of working with potential partners.

"China is experiencing the largest urbanisation in history. With over 800 new cities to be developed by 2020, China will create an investment climate that Mid East investors simply cannot ignore," claimed Xiaoping.

Chris Brook, MD of CB Richard Ellis, China will give an overview of China's urban and real estate development plans and how the current rate of development can be sustained. Norris Yang, Partner at MBPYA, a firm of solicitors in Hong Kong, will address the regulatory and legal sectors shaping the real estate market in China and will assess the government's attitude towards foreign investment.

"The recent purges in Shanghai by the central government to stamp out corruption is indicative of their positive attitude towards foreign investment. They are determined to eradicate fraud at all levels, whether public or private," added Xiaoping.

A thought-provoking session from John Zhou, CEO of China's Pangaea Capital Management, will examine the timeline for investors entering the fast-paced Chinese market. In a complementary speech, Chih-Chien Wang, MD of Beijing outfit H&Q Asia Pacific, one of the leading investment firms in China, will highlight the potential and the pitfalls international investors face in the Chinese market. Talking about the nuances of the commercial market, Remy Chan, Regional Director and Head of Shanghai markets for Jones Lang LaSalle, China will provide an insight in to the potential property classes in the first tier cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Other hot industry topics on the conference agenda include, driving real estate investment, major trends in international real estate markets and a focus on finance and investment. The conference will showcase a series of industry specific presentations covering residential real estate, retail dimensions, hotels, commercial and office space and the marketing aspects of real estate.

In addition to the delegation highlighting the investment opportunities in China, a host of regional and international experts have been invited to address critical industry issues. The opening keynote will be delivered by Donald Trump Jr. who will convey the complex strategies required to attract high net-worth investors, an issue some analysts predict as crucial to the long-term aspirations of the Middle Eastern property market.

"The 2006 conference programme features one of the finest line-ups ever assembled in the region, with over 75 outstanding speakers sharing their experience during 25 sessions. Our decision to showcase China on the programme has attracted enormous interest and complements the global aspect of the conference," commented Marie-Helene Couture, Conference Manager, Cityscape.

The focus on China at the Cityscape Dubai conference will act as a precursor to the eagerly anticipated Cityscape China event in Shanghai, scheduled for
24-26 May 2007.