FIABCI - NEWS/EVENTS

Dear Colleagues!
We are cordially inviting you to take part in the 63rd FIABCI World Congress of the International Real Estate Federation that will take place for the first time in Russia in St. Petersburg from the 12th till the 16th of May 2012. The main topic of the 63 FIABCI World Congress is “Preservation of cultural heritage in the modern metropolis”. The Congress attracts interests of heads of Russian and foreign companies as gives them a chance to establish direct contacts with investors, developers, brokers and opens for them opportunities for development of certain territories and projects. Winners of the World competition of development projects FIABCI Prix d’Excellence will be defined during the Congress. The business program will include up-to-date reports of experts of the world real estate market, plenary sessions, base forums of the Congress (managing directors, brokers, developers and experts), marketing sections, business-tours to construction and restoration sites in St. Petersburg. The rich social program will show pearls of the historical and cultural heritage of St. Petersburg and unique "White Nights". Accommodation of participants and visitors of the 63 FIABCI World Congress will be arranged in the comfortable 3-5 star hotels in the historical center of St. Petersburg. The Congress Venue is the 5-stars Corinthia Nevsky Palace hotel.
Detailed information and registration: www.fiabci63.com

01.07.2011. FIABCI Membership in ICREA Official
Effective today, FIABCI’s membership in ICREA is official, following the requisite 30-day period of comment following notification to all current Member Associations of the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations. ICREA’s 45 Member Associations received notification of FIABCI’s membership application along with an affirmative recommendation from the ICREA Board on June 1. As no objection to the application was received, FIABCI is now a member of ICREA. The membership is reciprocal; FIABCI approved ICREA’s membership in May. In conjunction with the reciprocal membership, FIABCI World President Alex Romanenko was appointed to serve on the ICREA Board. Immediate past ICREA Board Chair Peter Bolton King will represent ICREA on the FIABCI Board. These actions and others are part of an effort to form a more collaborative alliance with the possibility for a unified organization.

It is with much pleasure that we wish to inform you about developments in the relationship and cooperation between FIABCI and ICREA. There is no doubt that globalization has an immediate and powerful impact on real estate markets and its associations which represent the practitioner. International real estate organizations FIABCI and ICREA believe that the time has come to rationalize the roles of both organizations in order to optimize the combined strength and maximize the delivery of products and services to constituent members with the overarching objective to facilitate international trade in real property.

Both Boards of FIABCI and ICREA share the core vision that the time has come and that there is a need for a global leading organization which embraces all sectors of the real estate industry. It is the belief of both Boards that a much closer alliance of the organizations serves best the interests of the international real estate industry, its associations and its individual practitioners.

In the spirit of continued cooperation and dialogue, both FIABCI and ICREA have pursued direct membership affiliation in each other’s organization. The General Assembly of FIABCI (20^th May 2011) has ratified its Board’s decision to accept the membership of ICREA in FIABCI, and ICREA’s Board has approved the membership of FIABCI in ICREA (13^th January 2011. In accordance with ICREA’s bylaws, a 30-day comment period will be given to its full membership. Pending no objections, the Board’s approval to accept FIABCI as a member of ICREA will go into effect after the 30 day period, which commences with the date of this notification). This reciprocal membership enables the additional service to all FIABCI members to access and use the services of Worldproperties.com in the coming months.

In view of this reciprocal membership and with the objective to increase exchange of information, the FIABCI World President Alexander Romanenko has appointed Mr. Peter Bolton King, immediate past Chair of ICREA, to serve on the FIABCI Board, and the ICREA Board has co-opted Mr. Alexander Romanenko to serve on its Board.

During the past 18 months, FIABCI and ICREA have met periodically to discuss opportunities to cooperate to benefit both organizations respectively and to maximize the benefits for the professional real estate community throughout the world. After all is said and done, the sum of all this joint effort should and must be greater than its collective parts. While the future will be exciting and different there is no reason for our existing organizations to lose our history or organizational cultures. Our members, leadership and staffs have much emotional and intellectual equity in both FIABCI and ICREA. Thus, every effort must be made to move forward with respect for our traditions.

The cooperation between the two organizations or a possible unified organization promotes and facilitates (international) trade in real property and delivers services for (international) real estate transactions and referrals in an efficient and effective manner; represents the real estate industry worldwide and sets standards for the real property processes internationally.

The Board of FIABCI, at its meeting in Cyprus on May 2011, and ICREA, at its meeting in Berlin in May 2011, have agreed to investigate the potential for a closer alliance between the two organizations, with a shared vision for one eventual effective global organization which provides administrative efficiencies, best use of resources, and a unified process of setting standards for the real property profession internationally.

07.03.2011. The General Meeting of the FIABCI-Baltic

On 4st March, 2011 in Riga there took place the first meeting of the department “FIABCI-Baltic” of the International Real Estate Federation FIABCI. At the end of the previous year the FIABCI General Assembly in Brussels took the decision to approve the creation of a multinational Baltic Chapter, including Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. The General Meeting of the “FIABCI-Baltic” in the position of the President of the Organization confirmed Aigars Zariņš (Latvia) and in the composition of the Board elected: Aldis Riekstiņu (Latvia), Ardi Rosimaa and Jaanus Laugus from Estonia, Robertas Dargis and Kestutis Kristinaitis from Lithuania. Ineta Geipele from RTU as a treasurer.

During FIABCI December Business Meetings in Brussels the LANIDA Chairman of the Board Mr. Edgars Shins has been elected as Vice President of the FIABCI Principal Members Council for 2011-2013. Congratulation!

Board members: Wayne Carroll (USA); Felipe Correa (Colombia, Young Members President); Terry Dunkin ( USA, Principal Members Committee President); Fabrice Levet (France); Karen Pikielny (Italy); Steve Podolsky (USA, Principal Member rep); Francesco Valletta (Italy);

I look forward to working with each of these volunteers, as well as the rest of the elected Board members and committee officers.

09.06.2010. Message from FIABCI World President in Charge, Enrico Campagnoli

First of all I would like to thank you for entrusting me with the presidency of our great federation for the year 2010/2011. I take this as both a great honor and a responsibility to be the president for all FIABCI members. After the celebration of the 60th anniversary of our organization and after the Congress in Bali, I believe it is time to come together as one and together rethink a stronger FIABCI. I believe that we should preserve its historical identity, grounded on its glorious past, and, at the same time, we should act together for its brilliant future. You have already received my personal FIABCI vision. In addition, just before our Congress in Bali all FIABCI stakeholders received a very preliminary plan of action and an invitation to attend to an advisory meeting in Bali to build and implement a FIABCI Strategical, Organizational and Structural Plan of Action. In other words: a FIABCI S.O.S. Plan of Action. The main point here is the unique opportunity that FIABCI currently has to improve and implement its role. Our members need better tools and opportunities to communicate and do business. An organized world wide representation of all sectors of the real estate industry will support important aggregations such as FIABCI-ICREA and could also involve the Principal Members in an important role, as well as other organizations connected through a memorandum of understanding. Web seminars next July, involving all the Chapters, Principals Members and all FIABCI stakeholders will allow us to work together on a first draft of the FIABCI S.O.S. Plan of Action. By giving a voice to everybody and by taking into account the plurality of thoughts of our federation, I believe that the FIABCI identity will be stronger and able to give to the members the services, the tools and the information they need. This opportunity could also give a contribution to the development of the economy of each Country. Your support and your participation, joined with the transparency and efficiency of the FIABCI headquarter, will be the basis of the unity of our family and of a brilliant future of our organization.

FIABCI December Business Meetings (committee meetings and general assembly) will take place in Brussels (Metropole Hotel) on December 4 and 5, 2009. The General Assembly wil l take place on Saturday, December 5^th in the afternoon. About this Assembly: http://www.fiabci.org/

In compliance with Article 23 of the FIABCI Statutes and on behalf of the Board of Directors we are pleased to call you to the ordinary and extraordinary General Assembly of our Federation.
It will take place at the InterContinental Hotel, venue of the 2008 European Congress and December Business Days in Vienna, Austria, on December 7, 2008 from 14.30 to 18.00 hours (2:30 pm to 6:00 pm).
About this Assembly: http://www.fiabcivienna2008.com/

FIABCI EVENTS in 2008/2009:

FIABCI-USA Day at the United Nations with Guest Speaker
Venue: United Nations
Date: Thursday, September 11, 2008

FIABCI Business Conference Presented by Cityscape USA
Venue: Javits Centre, NYC
Date: Conference held on Tuesday, September 9 through Thursday, September 11, 2008;
Post-conference workshops on Friday, September 12

First ever combined regional event to take place in Hawaii hosted by Asia Pacific and the Americas
Venue: Sheraton Waikiki Honolulu, Hawaii
Date: Thursday, October 23 to Saturday, October 25, 2008

European Congress combined with FIABCI Business Meetings in Vienna
Venue: TBD, Vienna
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2008 – Sunday, December 7, 2008

60th FIABCI World Congress in Beijing
Venue: The Beijing International Convention Center
Date: Thursday, May 18-Satuday, May 23, 2009

FIABCI World President 2009-2010 - Lisa Kurrass
FIABCI President of Asia – Philip Webb
FIABCI President of Europe – Alexander Romanenko
FIABCI President of the Americas – Ricardo Yazbek
FIABCI President of Africa – Osita Okoli

22.01.2008. FIABCI events

FIABCI YM Conference will be held in Milan, Italy 7th and 8th September 2007.
Details at +39 02 76202 or by mail info@fiabci.it

02.04.2007. FIABCI-Latvia Annual General meeting, 30 March 2007, Riga.

Dear colleagues,

We wish all of you The Best Holidays Ever and A Happy and Wealthy 2007!

01.11.2006. Americas Congress December Business Meetings

As of 19 October, more than 200 delegates and 55 accompanying persons had registered for the FIABCI Congress of the Americas, 6-10 December, in Palm Beach, Florida, USA! Join FIABCI colleagues and real estate professionals from more than 20 countries to share real estate experiences and ideas.
To register, go to www.fiabci-usa.com/palmbeach2006 and click on Registration.
For hotel reservation information and forms, click on http://www.fiabci-usa.com/palmbeach2006/hotelregistration.html.
To save money on your airfare, use the discount codes shown on http://www.fiabci-usa.com/palmbeach2006/airlines.html.
Join the world of FIABCI in beautiful Palm Beach, Florida, this 6-10 December!

18.07.2006. FIABCI European Congress and 12th CEREAN Conference, 12-14 October 2006, Sofia, Bulgaria
The congress will feature a wide variety of sessions on the development and new challenges facing the real estate markets. As usual, it will be complemented by an Exhibition where leading companies will showcase the latest advancements in the field.
In this context we encourage you to visit the congress websites http://www.fiabcisofia2006.com and http://www.cereansofia2006.com where all the information on venue, program, registration and accommodation is already available.

12.07.2006. FIABCI Young Members Conference in Chicago, August 10 - 11
About this Conference: www.fiabci-asiapacific.com/enews/may/chicago-new.html

02.05.2006. Hansabanka Headquarters Receives the International Real Estate Federation’s FIABCI Prix d’Excellence Award

This year Hansabanka Headquarters has been recognised as the winner in the “Office Building” nomination at the International Real Estate Federation FIABCI competition FIABCI Prix d’Excellence where the best real estate projects from all over the world are evaluated.

The FIABCI Prix d’Excellence award is presented annually to buildings, which successfully span a number of real estate areas and meet the objectives put forward by the FIABCI – to promote the construction of objects, which give the public the best solution for addressing their needs. Thus, the main award criteria are not just the aesthetics, functionality or size, but the combination of all the components.

“This award comes both as a great surprise and a great pleasure. It is rarely the case that structures developed in Latvia receive international recognition and this is what makes us even prouder. I believe that one of the success factors, which helped us in this prestigious competition, was that the development of Hansabanka Headquarters was primarily focused on the people who will work there – to make their work comfortable and pleasant there so that the working conditions bring only positive emotions”, says Girts Berzins, Member of the Board of Hansabanka.

Erected in 2004, the Hansabanka Headquarters has 29 floors (26 above ground, 2 underground and 1 ground floor) and stands 120.5 meters tall. Also, it is the first time in Latvia that a glazed surface of such a large scale has been used in the design of a fa?ade. The building’s general contractor was SIA Merks. The architects of the building are Mr Viktors Valgums (Zenico Projekts) and Mr Alvis Zlaugotnis (Tecum).

In addition to working premises for the Hansabanka Group staff, the Hansabanka Headquarters also houses a staff training centre, a conference hall, staff library, customer service premises, a café and a restaurant.

“The award the Hansabanka Headquarters has scooped, suggests that sometimes we underappreciate our own accomplishments. This competition showed that architects, designers, construction companies, housing managers in Latvia are highly professional and can successfully compete with other countries’ specialists. For this we, of course, owe thanks to everyone who participated in the development of the Hansabanka Headquarters” says Girts Berzins.

The FIABCI Prix d’Excellence was awarded in a total of 7 categories – leisure projects, office or industrial projects, public sector projects, residential projects, retail projects, urban environment solutions, and specialised projects such as airports, hospitals, etc.

Along with the Hansabanka Headquarters this year the FIABCI awards went to Pandok Indah Mall in Indonesia, Millennium City Centre Palace of Arts in Hungary, Westin sky-scraper in Malaysia, Caribbean At Kappel waterfront business hub in Singapore, Kensington Banks building in Australia, and Marine Terrace Breeze project in Singapore.

Please note that the 57th FIABCI World Congress ( www.fiabci-bangkok2006.com ) will be held in Bangkok during May 26 to 31, 2006. Please see further details and register at your earliest convenience. Please click on FIABCI ( www.fiabci.org ) for the information on this largest international real estate federation in the world.

27.10.2005. Message from FIABCI President

Dear Members,
It is almost five months since I took office as World President for the 2005/2006 term at the World Congress in Athens, Greece.
Undoubtedly, the task before me is considerable and challenging but it is one that I am glad to assume. After all, I have spent the greater part of my life in the real estate industry. In fact, I consider it my second family and having received so much from it as an architect and subsequently as a property developer, what better way can there be for me to reciprocate than through the office of the World President.
As you already know, the growth and expansion of FIABCI represents the main thrust of my one-year term as World President. I feel that growing our membership is crucial to taking the Federation to the next level. On this note, the issue of the rising unitary fees must also be addressed as it has caused some members to not renew their membership. In response to this, I have set a goal for FIABCI to have 10,000 members in 5 years with a unitary fee of 100euros and 50,000 members in 10 years where the unitary fee will be 50euros.
The FIABCI Asia-Pacific Regional Secretariat is one of the steps that have been taken to make this vision a reality. Under this initiative, members from the region who will be administered by the secretariat will only pay a discounted unitary fee of 50euros.
There are many ways of increasing our numbers. I believe that our members who know and understand the Federation best will be able to put forward some ideas or suggestions on how to achieve this objective. As I have been elected to serve you, I look forward to hearing any ideas or suggestions you may have. Please e-mail them to tkm@bukitkiara.com, an e-mail address set up specifically to receive your feedback.
I hope to have your support on this new mission. I am sure with your backing the future of FIABCI will be very bright.

At your service, I remain.
Yours truly,
DATO' ALAN TONG KOK MAU
FIABCI World President 2005-2006
Group Chairman, Bukit Kiara Properties Sdn Bhd

17.10.2005. FIABCI UK/Wall Street Journal Europe 2006 Fiabci Forecast
Global Property Investment Trends.
Where is the wise money going to be invested in 2006?
Monday 5th December 2005.

7.30-8.45am - Wall Street Journal Europe speakers' breakfast - Editor addressing the high profile audience. The audience will be about 40 and will be at the Treasury Building (FIABCI/WSJE)
8.45-9.10am - Registration
9.15am - Welcome
Terry Green (FIABCI-UK President)/Julian Josephs (Madison Marquette)/Raju Narasetti (Editor WSJE)
9.20am - Key note address by finance minister (Gordon Brown)
10.00am - Inward Investment by Worldwide Investors into the UK and Europe
Two speakers from different jurisdictions explaining why they are targeting the UK and Europe (e.g. a bank/fund/developer/agent) and moderator from IPF and WSJE. Reference to the forthcoming REITS and direct/indirect investment and a question and answer session including the Government Minister.
Speakers:
John Cushman/Bruce Mosler - Cushman & Wakefield
Paul McNamara - Prudential
Ron Weidner - Mills Corporation
Stephen Stepler - GMAC
Gerald Parkes - Lehman Brothers

10.45-11.00am - Coffee
11.00am - Trends in Global Investment - will the future concentration be on geographical location or sector (eg office/retail/industrial etc)
Discussion for and against from J P Morgan, Schroders and Merrill Lynch and others.
Speakers:
Robin Goodchild - LaSalle
John Gellatley - Merrill Lynch
Roger Orf - Citigroup
Neil Turner - Schroders
Ric Lewis - Curzon Global Partners
(Eddie Sandorfly to advise on Tishman)

11.45-12.30pm - FIABCI Forecast by Ian Marcus (MD) of CFSB
What has happened, what has not happened but should have happened and what will happen in the future ie trends across the globe.
12.30-2.00pm - Lunch
Gerald Hines to speak on global trends over lunch.
2.00-2.45pm - Trends in the emerging Eastern/Central European countries/Russia/Baltic States
Deals in 2006/2007.
Speakers confirmed so far:
Graham Kilbane (MD) - GE Capital Golub
Will Rowson (MD) ING
2.45-3.30pm - What is happening in China - the market for the next century
Sponsor (HSBC or other). To be balanced with western developer/fund doing business in China.
Prospective speakers:
Stuart Beevor (MD) / Stephen Barter - Grosvenor
[Dr Meng - Construction Minister (China)]
Richard Barrett - Treasury Holdings
Patrick Deigman - Arlington
David Brush - DB Real Estate
Hugh Davies - Old Mutual
3.30 pm - India - an emerging market, where to invest and how and who is active in the market place
Tishman Speyer, Taubman and JLL are active.
Prospective speakers:
Sonjoy Chatterjee - CEO - ICICI Bank (confirmed)
Alec Burger - GE Commercial Real Estate
4.15pm - Tea
4.30pm - Which countries across the world should we be investing in and why?
Giles Barrie and a selected panel of investors/banks (maybe four) discuss this. The panellists are Martin Barber from Capital & Regional, Alan Curtis of Prologis and speakers from Mills Corporation/Westfield - to include Middle Eastern market and speaker (EMARR or Arcapita)
5.30pm - Voting - Giles Barrie to ask the audience their views (voting buttons)
5.45pm - Finish
6.00pm - Drinks

9-11 September 2005, Riga, Latvia
1st Fiabci Young Members Forum "Central and Western Europe - The Future in Real Estate"

FIABCI young members are pleased to announce their first conference; a collaboration between FIABCI LANIDA (the Latvian Real Estate Association) and CEREAN the Central and Eastern European Real Estate Association Network. The professional programme includes seminars on the creation of a Multiple Listing Service in CEE, investment opportunities and specific market studies by country. Other conferences will address ways to overcome differences in the various European evaluation standards.

9th September, Friday
10.00-13.00 – Registration (Hotel lobby)
12.00-13.00 – Lunch (Restaurant Piramida)
12.00-13.00 – Press conference (Viesturs hall)
13.00-14.00 – Welcome speeches
Kasha Dougall, FIABCI
Alex Romanenko, CEREAN
Vadim Markov, FIABCI-Latvia
Edgars Shins, LANIDA
Edmund Krastins, Riga City Council
Ugis Zemturis, Hansabanka
Country Presentation
Aldis Riekstins, FIABCI-Latvia
14.00-14.15 – Coffee break (Restaurant Piramida)
14.15-15.45 – Plenary session "Baltic Real Estate Market in Europe"
Moderator - Vadim Markov
Speakers:
Andrey Maslov, Nira Fonds (Latvia) - Real estate market in Riga.
Vytas Zabilius, OberHaus Real Estate (Lithuania) - Lithuania Residential Market 2005.
Urmas Laur, UusMaa Real Estate (Estonia) - Estonian property market 2005.
15.45-16.00 – Coffee break (Restaurant Piramida)
16.00-17.30 – Panel discussion "The uniform real estate market in the European Union: overcoming of distinctions, exchange of experience"
Moderator - Martin Van Hauff
Speakers:
Alexander Benedetti, FIABCI Young Members Commitee (Italy)
Matthias v. Hauff, Hypo Realestate (United Kingdom)
Discussion themes :
- Comparison of the macro (nation’s sector economic indicators) and micro scale (real estate sector direct and indirect development indicators) effects.
- Improving professional standards and other indicators and measures as adequate for given market – common platform for building successful business strategy for real estate professionals.
- Directions for property market development in given country, economic climate – evaluation and comments.
- Overcoming the differences of the different European evaluation standards
- EU legislation, directives and recommendations.
- What a financing bank expects from an independent valuer. Why they would strongly support common and uniform european rules.
18.00-19.00 – Old City Tour
19.15-22.00 – Welcome Cocktail (Restaurant Saules bura)

10th September, Saturday
9.00-11.15 – Special training "Developing the winning formula"
Speaker :
Marcus A. Wally, MBA, GRI, CIPS, Coldwell Banker Walter Williams Realty, Inc. (USA)
11.15-11.30 – Coffee break (Restaurant Piramida)
11.30-13.00 – Working session "Risk management in real estate business. How to control and support activity of real estate agents"
Moderator – Edgar Shins
Speakers:
Grigory Kulikov, Miel Real Estate (Russia) - Effective Management of Large Real Estate Company. Personnel motivation techniques.
Nina Kukuskina, Aon Corporation (Latvia) - How risk management can help achieve success - despite everything.
13.00-14.00 – Lunch (Restaurant Piramida)
14.00-16.00 – Working session "MLS: an opportunity for the developing markets"
Moderator - Alex Romanenko
Speakers:
Timo Smit, ICREA Co-Chairman (Netherlands) - Real Estate on Internet: the winner takes it all!
Alex Romanenko, FIABCI-Russia, Advecs corp. (Russia) - MLS: pluss & minuses, experience of creation.
Antonio Campagnoli, FIABCI Young Members Commitee (Italy) - MLS: Italian experience.
Juris Baltgailis, M2 (Latvia) - Alternative MLS realisation types in countries with a growing real estate market (presentation).
16.00-16.15 – Coffee break (Restaurant Piramida)
16.15-17.30 – Panel discussion "The most perspective directions for investments into the different countries (Baltic States)"
Moderator - Mihail Morozov
Speakers:
Mihail Morozov, Colliers International
Paolo Vittorio Michelozzi, Pro Kapital Group
Inara Gavrovska, Investprojekts (Latvia) – Investments managment in real estate (presentation).
Discussion themes :
- General Baltic’s market overview - history of real estate projects development - how long is the “construction boom”?
- Difference in the structure of each market (EST, LV, LT) - classification of the stock – is it true that some capitals are less attractive then others?
- Driving factors and main problems on the market - why vacancy appears if market is still underdeveloped?
- Experience in the development field – is it possible to enter the market with the new project?
- Experience in the investment field – does the investor have a chance to buy a good building or portfolio?
- Summary and forecast – will “Baltic phenomenon” have a chance to grow in to the “Baltic tiger”?
19.00-22.00 – Closing Ceremony (Moda Café), Official speeches with glass of champagne, Gala Dinner
22.00- … – Young Members night (Fashion Club)

11th September, Sunday
10.00-13.00 – City Business Tour (Bus transfer from Reval Hotel Ridzene)
13.00–14.30 – dinner in Restaurant LIDO (Bus transfer from Reval Hotel Ridzene)
14.30–17.30 – Bus City Tour (Riga and Jurmala)

Owen Gwyn, FIABCI-USA Past President, was elected as the 2006-2007 FIABCI World President at the FIABCI World Congress in Athens, Greece this June. Gwyn will serve as the 2005-2006 FIABCI World President-Elect under current FIABCI World President Dato Alan Tong of Malaysia.
Gwyn is committed to the goals of the FIABCI organization and has a particular interest in increasing membership worldwide, holding world-class international events, and continuing to provide simultaneous interpretation at FIABCI meetings. In a recent interview, Gwyn explained, “FIABCI membership has given me the understanding to respect and appreciate our cultural diversity and these differences form the strength of our federation. I strive to strengthen the impact of our mission within the international community and work to provide society with the optimal solutions for our real estate industry’s needs. And, in so doing … to maximize the impact of FIABCI membership.”
Gwyn has been extremely active in FIABCI and FIABCI-USA. He is a Past President of FIABCI-USA, served five years as President of the FIABCI Scholarship Foundation, and most recently served as President of the FIABCI Education and Academic Members Committee. He currently represents FIABCI at the United Nations as DPI Representative. In 1994, he was the first American awarded the FIABCI Outstanding Host Award. He has also received many awards from the United States Chapter including the Medal of Honor and the FIABCI Scholarship Foundation Philanthropist of the Year Award.
Gwyn, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is the Chairman of GEOCORP, a source for U.S. commercial real estate investments. Gwyn has been an active real estate broker since 1976, and handles a wide range of properties. His development activities focus on convenience petroleum fueling installations, and acting as a petroleum wholesaler for the Royal-Dutch/ Shell Group.

14.07.2005. Dato’ Alan Tong, leading Malaysian real estate developer, inaugurated
as President of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI)

June 4th 2005, Athens: Dato’ Tong officially took office as FIABCI President at the closing ceremony of the Federation’s 56th annual congress.
Following his graduation with an architectural degree in 1959 from the University of Sydney, Australia, Dato’ Alan Tong worked in Sydney for a year as an architect before his return to Malaysia, joining the Architectural Department of the municipality of Kuala Lumpur.
In 1964 he started his own architectural practice, and four years later, founded Sunrise Sdn Bhd as a private property development company in Kuala Lumpur. His Chairmanship of Sunrise Sdn Bhd was interrupted when he was elected State Assemblyman for State of Selangor in 1974. He served his constituency for two consecutive four year terms – the last term as a State Executive Councillor.
Dato’ Alan Tong was very active in Malaysian politics, for the state of Selangor, where he stood as a member of various committees including those for economic development and public works/utilities. After his departure from politics, Alan then resumed the Chairmanship of Sunrise Sdn Bhd guiding the course for the company’s growth, while weathering the property slump of 1986, and listing Sunrise Bhd on the Main Board of the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange in 1995.
In 1994, Alan was conferred the Title of “Dato” by the Sultan of Selangor (Order of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah – Knight Commander).
In early 1997, he sold his holdings in Sunrise Bhd a few months before the Asian financial crisis, to the envy of many in the property industries. He is now the Group Executive Chairman of Bukit Kiara Properties Sdn Bhd and ATKM Sdn Bhd, two private companies he formed 3 years later with his son, to undertake further property development.
He had offered his expertise to the Malaysia Housing Developers’ Association where he had held positions of Deputy President and Secretary General.
Dato Alan Tong had contributed enormously to FIABCI, occupying a number of positions. He was President of the Malaysian Chapter for 6 years, during which time he chaired the APREC Congress in Kuala Lumpur in 1997, before becoming Deputy World President Asia Pacific in 1997. He was awarded the Medal of Honour in 1998. His advisory role includes the creation of two new chapters in the Philippines and Thailand together with his active participation in many committees including the China Working Party, Strategic Planning, Congresses and the Prix d’Excellence.
Dato’ Alan Tong, leading Malaysian real estate developer, inaugurated as President of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI). During his inauguration speech as President, Dato’ Alan Tong expressed his desire to significantly increase membership within FIABCI to further its global reach. In order to do this, a new regional secretariat for Asia Pacific has been created to expand FIABCI presence and provide administrative services to chapters in India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. He continued to say that his objectives this year are to ensure that FIABCI will become even more dynamic, progressive and cost effective.

01.07.2005. Minutes of the Ordinary and Extraordinary General Assembly 1st of June 2005

Wednesday the 1st of June 2005 at 14.30 hours, the ordinary and extraordinary General Assembly of FIABCI met at the Hotel Hilton in Athens Greece following the notification by the Board by e-mail in compliance with the terms of Article 23 of the statutes.
Mr. John Greig presided over the meeting in his capacity of World President of the association; Mr. Bruno Crosby, Secretary General, was the official secretary of the meeting.
An attendance sheet was drawn up and signed by all General Assembly members present, and by those holding proxies given by other members, as they arrived.
The President noted that the 232 delegates to the General Assembly present or represented at the meeting held 231 votes, which is more than half of the 291 General Assembly votes and that consequently, according to Article 27 of the statutes, a quorum had been reached at the meeting.
The President stated that the General Assembly was called to discuss the following agenda:
1. World President’s report and Board report
2. Approval of the General Assembly minutes of 4 December 2004 in Paris, France.
3. Amendments to statutes
4. Finance Committee report
5. Approval of accounts for the year ending 31 December 2004
6. Approval of unitary membership fee for 2006 and budget for 2006
7. Elections: World President (2006-2007), Vice presidents and secretaries of committees (June 2005-May 2007)
8. Committee reports and examination of their recommendations
___________

The President recognized honorary members and Past World Presidents. He then opened the discussion.
World President’s report and Board report
Mr. Greig said that the decisions made by the Board at its meetings in Athens on 29 May and 1st of June 2005, would be announced by him, and by Board members as they made their committee reports.
He announced that membership numbers had increased slightly in 2005 as compared with the same period in 2004.
Mr. Greig announced that the Internet Task Force he had created in May 2004 had completed its tasks, and thanked Angela Eliopoulos (us) for having chaired the Task Force.

Mr. Greig reported on the steps leading up to the creation of a FIABCI Chapter in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), reminding the General Assembly of the Board’s unanimous decision, made at its meeting in Saint Petersburg Russia:
Board resolution N° 4 of 30 September 2004
“The Board resolves that upon receipt of the application from the Peoples Republic of China for the formation of FIABCI China, and its approval by the Board, the name of "FIABCI-Taiwan" will be changed to FIABCI Chinese Taiwan.”

Mr. Greig announced that the Board had unanimously approved the following resolution at its meeting of 29 May 2005 in Athens:
Board Resolution N° 2 of 29 May 2005
“The Board approves the formation by the China Real Estate Association CREA of a national FIABCI chapter in the People’s Republic of China, upon receipt of CREA’s completed application for Principal Membership in FIABCI.”

Mr. Greig reported having secured cooperation from the honourable Mr. Lin, former Minister of Construction of the PRC, in view of obtaining official government authorisation to create a Chapter in the PRC. He reported that negotiations with the Chinese Real Estate Association (CREA) had been successful, and announced that a delegation of the CREA, led by Dr. Meng Xiao Su, CREA’s vice president and president of the China National Real Estate Development Group, was present at the World Congress in Athens. Mr. Greig reported having signed a final agreement with CREA on FIABCI’s behalf on 31 May 2005 in Athens that Dr. Meng would be presenting at Ministerial level in the PRC to obtain all the official government authorisations required to create a chapter.

Approval of Minutes
Resolution N° 1- approval of minutes
Be it resolved that the minutes of the General Assembly of 4 December 2004 in Paris, France, be approved.
The resolution was approved unanimously

Amendments to the statutes
The Secretary General announced that the Nominations Committee President would be proposing an amendment to the statutes in the context of his report to the General Assembly.

Finance Committee report
The President announced that Committee President Mr. F. Peter Short (uk) had been unable to attend the Congress in Athens, so his successor Mr. Alexander Roos (nl) would be providing the Committee’s report.
Resolution N° 2: Recognition and gratitude to outgoing Board member Mr. F. Peter Short
The General Assembly recognises the outstanding contribution of outgoing Board Member Mr. F. Peter Short, who served for so many years as a delegate, a vice-president, and finally as President of the Finance Committee; and expresses its heartfelt gratitude for the diligence thoroughness and wisdom that he demonstrated so consistently during his terms in office.
The resolution was approved unanimously
Incoming Finance Committee President Mr. Alexander Roos gave a report on behalf of Peter Short. He referred to the report that Mr. Short sent to General Assembly representatives, in time for the World Congress in Athens. Mr. Roos reported on the Committee officers meeting in Paris on 11 April 2005.
Mr. Roos reported that the Board, at its meeting in Athens of 1st June 2005, had unanimously approved the following resolution modifying the Internal Regulations.
Board resolution N° 7 of 1st of June 2005
“The Board, noting the Finance Committee’s recommendation to make Article S 31 of the Internal Regulations more specific with regard to the minimum payment by chapters of 15 unitary membership fees, decides to modify said article, indicating that chapters whose membership corresponds to less than 15 unitary fees, and so paid the minimum charge, can add additional members at no additional cost, until its total membership reaches the equivalent of 15 unitary fees for the corresponding year. The Board gives the Secretary General instructions to make the necessary modification to the Internal Regulations.”
Treasurer Yves Boussard (fr) presented final accounting results for the year ending 31 December 2004.
Resolution N° 3: Approval of 2004 accounts
The General Assembly, after having heard the Treasurer’s report the Auditor’s report, and the recommendations of the Finance Committee, approves the annual accounts to 31 December 2004 showing a deficit of 21,098 euro as they have been presented, as well as the operations included in these accounts or summarized in the aforementioned reports.
The resolution was approved unanimously
Mr. Boussard then presented the proposed unitary fee and budget for 2006. He noted that the fee increase would eliminate the need for a registration fee to be charged for the 2006 December Business meetings.
Resolution N° 4: Setting of the unitary membership fee for 2006
The General Assembly, noting the recommendation of the Finance Committee, decides to set the unitary membership fee for 2006 at € 230 (two hundred thirty euro).
The resolution was adopted unanimously

Resolution N° 5: Approval of 2006 Budget
The General Assembly approves the budget for 2006 showing a surplus of 7,700 euro, as presented by the Finance Committee President and the Treasurer.
The resolution was adopted unanimously

Nominations Committee report
Committee President Donald Bentley (ca) informed the General Assembly of the decisions and recommendations made by the Board at its meeting of 1st of June 2005:
Board resolution N° 12 of 1st June 2005
“For all elections of the General Assembly involving secret ballots, and tallied by scrutineers:
“The counting of ballots shall be conducted in private and exclude all members except for Nominations Committee President and the elected scrutineers. The outcomes of the elections shall be reviewed by, and agreed upon, by the President of the Nominations Committee and all scrutineers. The results of the elections shall be kept confidential and only the names of those elected, and not the vote totals, shall be reported to the General Assembly by the Nominations Committee President. Upon receipt by and acceptance of the outcomes of the elections, the Nominations Committee President shall move to destroy all ballots cast in the elections. Upon an affirmative vote by the General Assembly, the Nominations Committee President shall be responsible for the destruction of ballots as soon as reasonably possible.
“The Board gives the Secretary General instructions to make the necessary modification to the internal regulations. “
Mr. Bentley reported that Yves Boussard’s term as Treasurer would be expiring on 4th June 2005, and that Mr. Boussard was seeking re-election. Mr. Bentley reported that the Board has approved the following resolution:
Board resolution N° 11 of 1st June 2005
“The Board, in compliance with Article 21 of the statutes, proposes to the General Assembly that it re-elect Yves Boussard to the position of Treasurer, for a second three-year term.”

The General Assembly, having heard the Board proposal, approved the following resolution:
Resolution N° 6: election of Treasurer
The General Assembly elects Yves Boussard (France) to a second term as Treasurer, for a period equivalent to three accounting years, that is, until the General Assembly is asked to approve the accounting for the year ending 31 December 2007.
The resolution was approved unanimously
Mr. Bentley proposed the following scrutineers for the elections: Adriana Sala Campagnoli (it); Martin von Hauff (de); Alexander Romanenko (ru); John Roozendaal (au); Lim Eng Chong (my).
Resolution N° 7: election scrutineers
The General Assembly approves the Nominations Committee’s recommendations for scrutineers for the elections of June 1st 2005.
The resolution was approved unanimously

Mr. Bentley noted that a number of elected positions had been left vacant after the General Assembly elections of 4 December 2004, and that the Secretariat had therefore called for nominations in view of filling these positions with immediate effect at the election of 1st June 2005. He reported that the following candidates had been submitted by the chapters and qualified by the Nominations Committee:
World President (2006-2007): Owen Gwyn (us) and Julian Josephs (uk)
Secretary General, Young Members Committee 2005-2007: Thomas Guglielmetti (fr)
Vice President of the Finance Committee 2005-2007: Grigoris Pavlidis (gr)
Secretary General of the European Regional Committee 2005-2007: Keith Burman (uk)
Secretary General of the Regional Committee for Africa 2005-2007: Osita Okoli (ni)

Mr. Bentley pointed out that some elected positions still remained vacant:
Vice President for Asia-Pacific of the Young Member's Committee
Vice President of the Nominations Committee
Vice President of the Exchanges Committee
Secretary General of the Regional Committee for the Americas
Mr. Bentley reported that the Board, at its meeting of June 1st 2005, had resolved to recommend to the General Assembly that it modify Article 18.2 of the statutes to allow the World President to fill positions left vacant after an election, by appointment, during his term in office.
Resolution N° 8: modification of the Statutes
Article 18.2 of the FIABCI Statutes shall be amended to allow the World President to fill positions left vacant after an election by appointment during his term in office.
The General Assembly gives the Secretary General instructions to make the necessary modification to the Statutes.
The resolution was approved unanimously
At Mr. Bentley’s invitation, Messrs. Owen Gwyn (us) and Julian Josephs (uk), candidates for the World Presidency (2006-2007), addressed the General Assembly.

Conference Committee report
Committee President Svein Erik Stolpe (no) led the Assembly in thanking the organising committee of the World Congress in Athens, for the outstanding job they were doing to prepare and execute the event.
Mr. Stolpe noted that FIABCI Japan had not had an opportunity to make a progress report with regard to the APREC Congress in Osaka (28-30 September 2005), and asked the Japanese representative to address the General Assembly. The Japanese chapter then gave its report.
Mr. Stolpe reported that the Board, at its meeting of 1st of June 2005, had approved three resolutions proposed by the Conference Committee:
- to ask FIABCI-Korea to review its proposed registration fees, budget and hotel rates for the 2006 World Congress in the city of Seoul.
- to hold a joint European event with the Central European Real Estate Network CEREAN in Sofia Bulgaria 12–14 October 2006. The CEREAN Conference / FIABCI European Congress will be hosted by the Bulgarian association NRPA subject to the receipt of the budget and the signing of a contract.
- to grant FIABCI España a six-month option to host the 2007 World Congress in Barcelona, 28 May 2nd June 2007, pending an inspection visit by the Committee President and the Secretary General. A final decision shall be made at the December 2005 Business Meetings in Brussels, at which time a contract must be signed.

Young Members Committee report
In the absence of Committee President Alexander Benedetti (it), incoming Committee President Martin von Hauff (de) gave a report. The General Assembly joined Mr. von Hauff in expressing gratitude to Mr. Benedetti for his outstanding contribution in his six years as Committee President.

Membership Committee report
Committee President Gerard Bakker (nl) thanked chapters in France, Hungary, Latvia, Netherlands, Nigeria, U.S.A. for increasing membership in 2005.
He reported that the Board had unanimously approved the following motion:
Board resolution N° 14 of June 1st 2005: modification of the Internal Regulations
Article S-5 of the Internal Regulations shall be modified as follows:
“Direct Honorary Members shall be defined as “persons (living) who have distinguished themselves by meritorious service to FIABCI and the real estate industry as a whole.”
“Provisions - the honorary member:
- “Shall be elected by a two-thirds majority of the Board to a two-year term;
- “Shall be eligible for re-election
- “Shall not be a member of FIABCI
- “Shall not be required to pay a unitary fee
- “May attend events on the same basis as regular members
- “Shall not hold any office or be eligible to vote
“Existing honorary members shall be exempt from the requirement that they not be members of FIABCI.”
Mr. Bakker wished his successor Mr. John Pinson (us) best of luck as Membership Committee President.

Professional Division / Principal Members Council report
Council President John Loh (my) thanked Principal Members for contributing to the professional programme of World Congresses, and for providing speakers of such high calibre to the World Congress in Athens.
Mr. Loh announced that the Board had unanimously approved the following motion:
Board resolution N° 15 – meeting of 1st of June 2005
“The Board approves the Memorandum of Understanding between ICREA and FIABCI and instructs the Secretary General to attach the document to the minutes of this meeting.”

Professional Division / Marketing & Networking Committee and Forums Committee reports
Messrs Robert Hatcher (us) and Chambers (uk) reported having obtained unanimous Board approval of the following joint recommendation:
Board resolution N° 16: meeting of June 1st 2005
The modular format of World Congresses is modified as follows, effective immediately:
Day Two of the Congress Days shall henceforth include the Panorama of Real Estate, three Forums, the Forum Lunch, and the Technical (Study) Tours.
Day Three of the Congress Days shall henceforth include marketing Sessions, Business Contact Lunch, Conference on Finance, Closing Ceremony, and the new Board meeting.
Professional Division President Julian Josephs (uk) announced that after 3 ½ years as Division President, he was stepping down, and wished his successor Jan Evert Stoel (nl) every success.

Education Committee report
Committee President Owen Gwyn (us) said his Committee had been authorised to implement the “Certificate FIABCI” and “Diploma FIABCI” and had since worked on the “core” curriculum and a FIABCI Faculty. Mr. Gwyn explained that a “partner university” programme was being developed with existing Academic Members, giving rise to the notion of a “FIABCI University”.
Realizing the need to find cooperating universities, the Education Committee contacted the International Real Estate Society IRES, an umbrella organisation of institutions of higher learning offering programmes in real estate. Mr. Gwyn reported that the Board had unanimously approved the following resolution:
Board resolution N° 17: meeting of 1st of June 2005
The Board approves the Memorandum of Cooperation between IRES and FIABCI and instructs the Secretary General to attach the document to the minutes of this meeting.

Exchanges Committee report
In the absence of Mr. Michael von Hauff (de), committee vice president Mr. Anton Kozar (sl) gave a report.

International Organisations Committee report
Robert Eychner gave his report, reviewing FIABCI’s representation in the Economic and Social Council and the Department of Public Information of the United Nations Organisation.

Prix d’Excellence report
Panel President László Gönczi (hu) gave his report. He announced that his term as panel president had ended, and that V. Kumar Tharmalingam (my) would be taking over with immediate effect.

Strategic Planning Committee report
Committee President James R. Miller reported that the Board had approved the following motion:
Board resolution N° 2, part “a”: meeting of June 1st 2005
The Sub Secretariat in Kuala Lumpur shall become the Regional Secretariat for Asia-Pacific and shall provide the administrative services currently provided by the Paris Secretariat to chapters in India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and to newly established chapters in the Asia-Pacific Region with the exception of the People’s Republic of China. The Paris Secretariat shall be relieved of the responsibility of providing administrative services to these chapters. In addition, the Regional Secretariat for Asia-Pacific shall actively recruit new Regular and Principal Members in these chapters, and new chapters in the Asia-Pacific Region. The above-mentioned chapters would have the option not to participate, and would be free to maintain their relationship with the General Secretariat in Paris.
Board Resolution N° 2, part “b”
The Regional Secretariat for Asia-Pacific shall be governed by the Regional Board for Asia-Pacific, which shall be established upon the approval of this resolution. The Board of Directors of the Regional Board for Asia-Pacific shall be comprised of the following members:
- Dato’ Alan Tong Kok Mau shall serve as Director of the Regional Board for Asia-Pacific, effective upon the approval of this resolution and until 31 December 2008.
- V. Kumar Tharmalingam shall serve as Secretary General of the Regional Secretariat for Asia-Pacific and vice president of the Regional Board for Asia-Pacific, effective upon the approval of this resolution and until 31 December 2008.
Other members of the Board for Asia-Pacific are to be determined upon the nomination by the Director of the Board of Asia-Pacific and approval by the FIABCI Board of Directors.
The Regional Board for Asia-Pacific shall have full authority to govern the Regional Secretariat for Asia-Pacific, and shall report its activities to the FIABCI Board of Directors at its regularly scheduled meetings.
Board Resolution N° 2, part “c”
The General Secretariat in Paris shall provide the administrative services to the Regional Secretariat for Asia-Pacific that the General Secretariat now provides to chapters, and shall be relieved of providing administrative services to chapters in India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand, and to newly established chapters in the Asia-Pacific Region. The General Secretariat shall augment present efforts, and initiate new ones, to recruit new Regular and Principal Members, and new chapters, in the European Region.
Board Resolution N° 2, part “d”
For the period commencing upon the approval of this resolution and until 31 December 2008, the unitary fees paid by regular and principal members from chapters in India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand, and newly established chapters in the Asia-Pacific Region, shall be paid directly to and retained by the Regional Secretariat for Asia-Pacific. The Paris Secretariat shall not be required to provide financial support to the Regional Secretariat for Asia-Pacific.
Board Resolution N° 2, part “e”
The Regional Secretariat for Asia-Pacific shall have the authority to incorporate under the laws of Malaysia, establish bank accounts and enter into contacts and other financial agreements as necessary and appropriate in the furtherance of its administrative purpose, as described in Resolution N° 2 part “a”. The Regional Secretariat for Asia-Pacific shall not be permitted to obligate the General Secretariat in Paris financially or contractually. The Regional Secretariat for Asia-Pacific and the Regional Board for Asia-Pacific shall be dissolved 31 December 2008, or upon such other subsequent date as may be determined by the FIABCI Board of Directors. Upon dissolution of the Regional Secretariat for Asia-Pacific, all assets shall be transferred to the Paris Secretariat.
Board Resolution N° 2, part “f”
The Regional Secretariat for Asia-Pacific shall provide administrative services for Asia-Pacific Congresses.

Legislation and Environment Committee
Committee President Mr. John Pinson (us) gave his report. Referring to the “Blue Book” on Property Rights, Mr. Pinson asked the Secretary General to redistribute the survey of private property rights authored by Past President Mr. Jean-Marc Levet (fr), to those chapters that had not yet responded.

Elections
At this point, Nominations Committee President Mr. Donald Bentley called upon the General Assembly to cast its votes for the election of the 2006-2007 World President.
The following persons were elected by the General Assembly:
World President 2006-2007: Mr. Owen Gwyn (us)
Secretary General, Young Members Committee 2005-2007: Mr. Thomas Guglielmetti (fr)
Vice President of the Finance Committee 2005-2007: Mr. Grigoris Pavlidis (gr)
Secretary General of the European Regional Committee 2005-2007: Mr. Keith Burman (uk)
Secretary General of the Regional Committee for Africa 2005-2007: Mr. Osita Okoli (ni)
Mr. Bentley thanked the scrutineers, and his vice president Mr. Werner Loval (il) for their valuable assistance.

Resolution N° 9 – Destruction of ballot papers
In compliance with Board resolution N° 12 of 1st June 2005 relating to the destruction of ballot papers, the General Assembly resolves to approve the recommendation of the Nominations Committee President and authorise the destruction of the ballot papers used for the election of 1st of June 2005.
The resolution was approved unanimously

Asia-Pacific Regional Committee report
Mr. V. Kumar Tharmalingam (my) gave a report on behalf of the Regional President for Asia-Pacific and APREF Council President Mr. Shin-Ichiro Takagi (jp).
Mr. Tharmalingam saluted President Greig’s achievement in bringing the China Real Estate Association into FIABCI, and opening the way for FIABCI’s presence in the People’s Republic of China.
Referring to the Strategic Planning Committee’s resolution approved by the Board, Mr. Tharmalingam gave more details of the Asia-Pacific Regional Secretariat’s plan of action.
Past World President and Honorary World President Mr. Tony Grant congratulated World President Elect Mr. Alan Tong on his initiative, but noted that the Strategic Planning Committee’s resolution adopted by the Board constituted a major change in the Federation’s structure and function. He considered that its implementation in fact modified the statutes, requiring approval by the General Assembly. He proposed that the “business” aspects of the plan be implemented immediately, but that further studies be made for presentation at an Extraordinary General Assembly in Brussels in December 2005, in the context of a potential change in the statutes.
The reservations he expressed were echoed by Honorary Regional President for the Americas E. René Frank and Past World President Laurence McCabe.
World President Alan Tong reassured the Assembly, declaring that the plan was an experiment involving less than 200 Regular Members; he asked for a chance to run the experiment. Citing declining membership, declining attendance at FIABCI events, increasing membership fees, he said FIABCI was at a crossroads and called for drastic action to adapt services to regional needs, relieve the General Secretariat in Paris of the administration of small distant chapters so it could concentrate on large European chapters that required its attention, and perhaps increase European membership.
Mr. Tong was enthusiastically applauded by the Assembly.

Mr. Grant acknowledged that Mr. Tong’s plan had overwhelming support from the Assembly, and reaffirmed that neither he nor his fellow Past Presidents opposed it. He did warn the Assembly that the plan would certainly have unintended consequences as it had not been shared with the rest of FIABCI’s leadership before being adopted, and because chapters not directly involved in the plan had not been afforded the opportunity to consider it in detail, measure its consequences, and provide useful advice and opinion. He noted for example that if some Asia-Pacific chapters enjoyed discounted membership fees, adjusted according to purchasing power parities, chapters in Eastern Europe, Africa, and Latin America would demand the same privileges, with the resulting effect on FIABCI’s finances. He said the importance of FIABCI’s statutes and internal regulations should not be neglected, as they were the result of more than a half century of experience. He proposed that the plan be supported, within the scope of the existing legal structure until there had been an opportunity to modify that structure.
Mr. Grant proposed the following resolution:
“The General Assembly supports the plan proposed for new arrangements in the Asia-Pacific Region resolves that any structural changes to the statutes arising as a result be submitted to a vote at an Extraordinary General Assembly in Brussels in December 2005.”

After some discussion Mr. Grant withdrew his resolution, convinced that the Board of Directors of FIABCI International, and the Regional Board for Asia-Pacific, had given sufficient assurances to the General Assembly that it had considered the question of legality and conformity with the Statutes.

Mr. Tharmalingam submitted the following resolution on behalf of the Korean chapter:
Resolution N° 10: Ratification of New Korean Principal Members
The General Assembly, noting FIABCI Korea’s decision to accept the application by Korean Real Estate Association KREA and Korean Association of Property Appraisers KAPA ratifies the decision in compliance with Article 6 of the statutes.
The resolution was adopted unanimously

African Regional Committee report
Regional President Otunba Tade Ismail (ni) noted encouraging growth of membership in Nigeria, and remarked that both African Direct Principal Members, TIVEA of Tanzania, and SAPOA of South Africa, had sent delegates to the World Congress in Athens. He expressed hopes that FIABCI would be able to reopen the South African chapter in the near future.

European Regional Committee report
Regional President Jose Gil Doltra gave his report.

Americas Regional Committee report
Mr. Correa submitted the following resolution on behalf of the U.S. chapter:
Resolution N° 11: Ratification of New U.S.A. Principal Member
The General Assembly, noting FIABCI U.S.A.’s decision to accept the application by ARELLO ratifies the decision in compliance with Article 6 of the statutes.
The resolution was adopted unanimously

There being no further business, the meeting was ended at 18.00 hours.
These minutes were drawn up and signed by the President and Secretary of the session.

The President The Secretary General
Mr. John Greig Mr. Bruno Crosby

07.06.2005. FIABCI Young Members Conference in Riga

From May 30th till June 4th the united delegation of the associations LANIDA and FIABCI - Latvia participated in the General Assembly and the 56th FIABCI World Congress "Real Estate and the Transformation of the Cities" held in Athens (Greece).
During the event FIABCI - Latvia president Vadims Markovs was introduced to all the FIABCI International members. The General Assembly took a decision to hold the next Conference of the FIABCI structural unit - Young Members Committee - in September 2005 in Riga. Associations LANIDA and FIABCI - LATVIA are entrusted with the organization of the Conference. About 40 members of FIABCI from all over the world expressed their willingness to visit Riga in autumn. Head of the FIABCI Young Members Committee Martin von Hauff reported during the General Assembly Conference presentation that realtors are very much interested in the real estate market of the Baltics. Therefore they will be most pleased to acquaint themselves with the situation in these countries, to visit the new objects and to present their cooperation offers. The conference program will include presentations, discussions, information exchange as well as business tours.
In the light of the globalisation of real estate, and its impact on the future of the property business, FIABCI Past World President Alfons Metzger of Austria created the FIABCI Young Members Group in 1998. The purpose of the Young Members Committee is to provide young real estate professionals with new contacts and privileged information to improve their business. The Young Members Committee is the only worldwide platform available to real estate professionals under the age of 40. In order to reflect on the latest trends of the international real estate economy, professional education and business networking, the Young Members Committee meets at FIABCI’s main international Conferences, and at Educational Seminars organised directly by the Young Members Committee.

On 21st March, 2005 in the “Reval Hotel Ridzene” there took place the first meeting of the department “FIABCI-Latvia” of the International Real Estate Federation FIABCI. At the end of the previous year the FIABCI General Assembly in Paris took the decision to charge the Association LANIDA with the management of the department of Latvia. In February, 2005, the Enterprise Register of the Republic of Latvia registered the Society “FIABCI-Latvia” (Reg. No 40008088296) and the Regulations of it hereby making legal the activity of this authoritative International Organization in the territory of Latvia. The General Meeting of the “FIABCI-Latvia” in the position of the President of the Organization confirmed Vadims Markovs (Nira fonds) and in the composition of the Board elected: Aldis Riekstins (Realia), Milana Skumbina (Baltic Property Group), Karlis Ozols-Ozolins (A.K. Centrs), Larisa Bogdanova (Jusmajas).