Minister to address Mid East participants at Cityscape Asia

During the opening ceremony, Mah Bow Tan will also address a large Middle East delegation at the Cityscape Asia conference, on current Asian and Singaporean real estate investment and development issues.

Appreciating the massive potential the region has to offer Cityscape Asia has attracted a large contingent of sponsors and exhibitors from the Middle East. Abu Dhabi-based Sorouh, Saudi major Tanmiyat, Dubai's Fortune Investment Group and Aqaba Development Corporation from Jordan, have all confirmed their participation, covering a colossal 28 per cent of available exhibition space.

Mr. Mah is well placed to comment on such issues having recently spoken at the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Corporate Plan Seminar 2007. During his speech Mr. Mah said, "Our ability to plan for the longer term and to follow through in the implementation of these plans has helped to bring us to where we are today - an economically vibrant city that is also one of the most liveable cities in Asia. We are indeed a city built on planning."

Nearly 300 major public and private property developments are in progress throughout the region and growing at rate of over ten per cent annually. It is also estimated that there is over US$ 16 billion in available capital. Participants at Cityscape Asia will have a rare opportunity to network with major investors, developers and governmental authorities involved in the development, design and construction of many of these projects.

Neil Hickman, Exhibition Director, Cityscape Asia, commented,

"Singapore is the regional hub for international best practice, in both urban and environmental planning, its limited space has not restricted its infinite aspirations. We are honoured that Mr. Mah has agreed to inaugurate Cityscape Asia, his participation further emphasises the calibre of this event."

Apart from Singapore, exhibitors from Australia, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, China and the Middle East, have now confirmed their participation. Recently, IIR Middle East, organiser of Cityscape Asia announced that more than 80 per cent of exhibition space had been sold with a further 10 per cent under offer, clearly underlining the strength of the regional real estate market. The three-day event will highlight regional investment opportunities, iconic architecture and development best practice to global investors through a world-class conference and up to a total of 7,000 square metres of exhibition space.

To reiterate the backing of the government, Singapore's Urban Redevelopment Authority has also confirmed its official support for the show.