The 22nd edition of the MIPIM real estate fair in Cannes puts the spotlight on the British property industry. The fair - with the UK chosen as this year's Country of Honour - takes place on 8-11 March.

'Since the launch of MIPIM in 1990, British real estate companies have understood and supported the idea of an international gathering of property executives and the importance of developing their business beyond national borders. When you consider that real estate investment in Europe in 2010 was valued at EUR 103.5 bn and EUR 35.1 bn of that was in Britain, you get an idea of the importance of the UK market,' said MIPIM Director says Filippo Rean.

'The decision to pay tribute to the UK is in recognition of the contribution that the UK has made to the global real estate market during MIPIM's 22-year history and the vital role the UK has played in the promotion of cross-border investment.'

'One only has to look at the 2012 Olympic Games project to understand how the United Kingdom has brought together government departments, sports specialists and the real estate industry, to develop an Olympic site that is designed to invigorate the British economy while being economically and environmentally sustainable. It is this kind of forward thinking, even in difficult economic times, that encouraged us to choose the UK as our Country of Honour,' Rean said.