Press
HSBC Advance Malta Property Expo 2011 officially opened
Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Land in the Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment Jason Azzopardi inaugurated the HSBC Advance Malta Property Expo, for the third year. The Expo, organised by Duplex Real Estate Branding, was open from Thursday 17th March and all through the weekend until Sunday 20th March at the MFCC, Ta’ Qali.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Azzopardi said the Expo “opens a window onto a myriad of opportunities for both investor and developer. At the HSBC Advance Malta Property Expo, the developer and the potential client can meet in an ideal climate to both reach their goals and aspirations.’’ He augured, ‘‘that this edition be positive and productive for all parties involved.”
Keith Pillow, managing director of Duplex REB, said circumstances had changed somewhat in the past year with the news no longer focused on the financial crisis. Investment may still not be at its best but with all the difficulties the island faces, we are lucky that there is a secure, stable local environment.
“With the Mediterranean region going through one of its most turbulent times, with flashpoints across the north African coast and most southern European countries in the depths of economic crisis, Malta can benefit from a one-time opportunity to promote itself overseas as a haven of stability and security,” he said. “The Expo is the first step to working closer together as an industry. Today with the Malta Developers Association, the Federation of Estate Agents, and Kamra tal-Periti, the industry can come together and do things more effectively.”
In his speech at the opening, Andrew J. Ripley, Head of Personal Financial Services at HSBC Bank Malta plc, said the bank was delighted to sponsor the Expo for the third consecutive year. “The Expo, which brings together over 170 exhibitors from across Malta, Europe and even further afield, is by far the most successful property themed exposition in Malta.
“Not only is the Expo a fantastic opportunity to bring together buyers, developers and estate agents in one location, it is also a chance to find out what people are planning for the future and to identify key trends for the industry,” he said.
HSBC’s mortgage business is up on last year, with the most active segment currently being first time buyers and Maltese families looking to upgrade their homes. New business was being attracted over the internet with 10 per cent of inquiries starting on-line. Malta is proving to be an attractive location for overseas property investors and ex pats seeking a holiday or retirement home.
Apart from the Expo, which was open on Friday evening from 4.30 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 am to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., a major attraction was the Real Estate Forum, being organised in collaboration with EMCS Conferences.
An introductory seminar was held Friday afternoon, followed by a full day session on Saturday.
A number of developments and new projects where launched and exhibited at the Malta Property Expo.
