Third PROEstate has become another milestone in the history of the Russian real estate industry. Its first results have been summarized and statistics made public at the concluding press conference: PROEstate was attended by professionals from 19 countries and 30 Russian regions. Its events were covered by 200 accredited journalists.

Maxim Sokolov Chairman of St. Petersburg Committee for Investment and Strategic Projects: the rich conference program and activity of participants compensated a reduction in size of PROEstate exhibition. In 2009 the exhibition floor shrank to 5 thousand m2, and the total number of stands – to 80. The number of active participants - speakers, full participants, exhibitor-companies, journalists (without visitors) was more than 1200. 1527775501620f PROEstate community came from 19 foreign countries. All 30 delegations of Russian regions have confirmed their participation in PROEstate 2010.

Vyacheslav Semenenko, Chairman of St. Petersburg Committee for Construction, new President of the Guild of Property Managers and Developers told about agreements signed and prepared at PROEstate. Cooperative agreements between the Guild and governments of Ulyanovsk, Kaluga, Tver and Saratov have been signed. By this the number of partnership agreements between GMD and Russian regional governments concluded during the last year has reached 9. Regional administrations had talks with Russian and international companies and consultancies. Several contracts on the delivery of services and memoranda of understanding have been signed.

Mr. Semenenko also noted the importance of talks, which he had with representatives of TUEV, German company having functions similar to Russian Rostekhnadzor. An important function of TUEV, of high interest for the Russian construction industry, is the introduction and oversight of technical standards. There is a high potential demand on TUEV educational and training programs. “We hope that German know-how of adherence to technical standards will be used here” said Mr. Semenenko, adding that best practices, which reduce the cost of construction, are needed in Russia. The Guild of Property Managers and Developers will disseminate best-available German methodologies among the Russian professional community.

PROEstate 2009 conference program included 24 events, 130 speakers shared their insight and knowledge with professional audience; more than 3027775506412f them were foreigners. In the opinion of many participants PROEstate 2009 events had a strong shift to practicality. This was definitely shown during the matchmaking session, at which concrete projects and properties were presented by Russian companies to Nordic investors. The latter did not hesitate to comment on weak points of proposed properties and shortages in their presentation. The owner-companies commented that the ‘crash test’ was very useful for them.

Speaking about the PROEstate practicality Mr. Sokolov mentioned that the traditional auction of St. Petersburg Property Fund exceeded all expectations: initial bids were raised twice and the total sum of property sales amounted to 108 438 180 rub. A new venture “Russian Auction House” was presented and launched at PROEstate.

Pavel Goncharov, PROEstate Director, mentioned that the Forum is traditionally used for the presentation of new properties and projects (e.g. Obvodny office center, Noteburg township), Freedom Group presented its new fachwerk production line (first in Russia), an investment project of 3 mln. Euro. Mr. Goncharov was very positive about the increase of Scandinavian community at PROEstate.

In return, Finnish companies, e.g. Eke Group, commented on the stable interest of Finnish investors in the operation on the Russian market. Kari Kauniskangas, YIT Vice President told about the YIT plans for developing shopping centers in Russia, primarily in the North-West and Moscow.

Renova Stroy Group (V. Golubitsky) confirmed their interest in acquiring unfinished projects and sites in St. Petersburg. At panel discussion “How attract investment into development” Sberbank declared that this major bank of Russia considers some new projects as bankable and will fund them.

Results of FIABCI-Russia and journalist competition PROEstate Media Awards 2009 were announced at the award ceremonies, which concluded the PROEstate program at LenExpo. 

 

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