Business Day Reporter

WITH 3bn already invested in SA, German entrepreneurs are showing their eagerness to increase their exposure in the country, and it is up to local property developers to interact with these potential business partners, says Eugen Egetenmeir, deputy MD of the Munich Trade Fair.

Accompanied by Hans Spitzner, Bavarian economic affairs, infrastructure, transport and technology vice-minister, Egetenmeir told members of commercial property association Sapoa at a breakfast meeting in Cape Town last week that German investors were primarily interested in properties in the hospitality industry. In Europe these properties were producing better returns than offices.

Egetenmeir is in SA to promote the massive Expo Real, Bavaria’s most prestigious property trade fair and the biggest in Europe. It takes place in Munich from October 10-12.

Last year there were more than 1300 exhibitors at the fair, and nearly 18000 visitors.

While the fair has been established primarily for investors in Europe, and specifically Germany, interest from foreign countries has resulted in more than 250 foreign exhibitors from as far afield as Dubai.

The fair focuses on the commercial property sector, which includes retail, office and industrial properties.

Were South Africans to show sufficient interest in the fair this year, a special South African day would be organised at Expo Real in which property prospects for the country could be showcased, said Egetenmeir

"Germans see SA as a stable and economically sound environment in which to place their investment money."