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"They appear to be misfortunes, and yet they are opportunities"

Category:

 Editorials

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04-06-2010 - by Antonio Intiglietta, Presidente/Chairman Ge.Fi.

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I would like to introduce the sixth edition of EIRE with a quote by philosopher Gianbattista Vico: "they appear to be misfortunes, and yet they are opportunities". It is a phrase which summarises the situation today, as well as suggesting how to face it. The crisis has left a mark on the market and changed its dynamics, and the sector's growth patterns will never again be as distorted as they have been in past years. The road to recovery will be long and difficult at times, and 2010 will become the year for companies to invest in their business, carefully assessing which occasions represent genuine opportunities for growth. EIRE will open its doors with a focus on opportunities for investors.

EIRE is a place to create rapport and relationships with people and companies within the real estate sector. These relationships can generate opportunities and lead to encounters with qualified figures, assist with increased market knowledge, encourage dialogue with professionals equipped with new skills, and promote the discovery of other experiences within one's area of interest.

I believe it is worth highlighting EIRE's attendance figures last year, a result which completely contradicts trends compared to other trade fairs in the same sector. Above all however, EIRE has been revamped by its market proposal of a new conception of the trade fair. This involves an active network all year round, which places at the centre markets from the Mediterranean and various emerging countries, as well as the work which can be created between these markets and Italy. Business missions were organised this year in both Turkey and Montenegro, with Brazil on schedule for next Autumn. Operators who participate, will be able to build on opportunities encountered during the fair, closing new deals and partnerships directly on location. I am certain that the show must be viewed as part of the bigger picture and provide a constant stimulus to the entire market.

Amongst those present at the fair, the most significant public and private operators from Italy, the Mediterranean Basin, Central and Eastern Europe, and emerging countries such as Brazil and Nicaragua. The inauguration will introduce the theme of real estate development in these very areas, with an elaboration on the specific "dimensions" of retail, tourism and logistics. The Italian Public Administration will also be afforded the opportunity to be educated on extremely current issues, such as State federalism, and the valuation of its property assets. Lastly, and certainly not least important, Social Housing will be examined, with the largest Italian and European exposition at EIRE dedicated to this theme for the first time. The Social Housing Exhibition, with 70 exhibitors, is a conference dedicated to the presentation of the Social Housing Awards, offering all operators the opportunity to vote, even directly at the fair.

It is on this basis that we begin this new challenge, and on which we intend to proceed moving forward. This is because we believe that only by working together, as a "community", will we be able to provide a valid contribution to the sector's recovery, assist companies to rediscover momentum and opportunities, and help businesses to broaden and deepen their knowledge of the market and those persons bringing it to life.