Foreign lands beckon realtors from Punjab

The setting up of offices in Chandigarh by Indian representatives of these embassies is a clear indication of their interest in the region.

In a recent visit to the city, W Matziar, second secretary in the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, invited foreign investors in tourism and leisure sector. With land in Poland been acquired most frequently by the Germans, Dutch, Austrians, Swedes and French, it seems the next wave will be from Punjab.

"Development is taking place in Warsaw, Katowice, Krakow, Lodz, Szczecin, Poznan and we welcome Indian investors to come here," Matziar said. Termed as the gateway to the European Union, Poland currency Zloty one unit is equivalent to Rs 12-Rs 13.

'Chalo Croatia' the new consultancy office for tourism and business queries is the next destination for businessmen to study the market and investment opportunity in Croatia. Twelve families from Punjab flew to Croatia in the first week of May from Chandigarh to see the opportunities there.

The Croatian embassy was providing assistance to them so that they took greater interest there as tourists and as professionals, said an official of 'Chalo Croatia'. He added that there was a huge scope in the development of land for residential purposes and tourism.

"Getting citizenship (eligibility being that an investor maintains residence permit for 5 years in Croatia) will mean visa free travel to 85 countries, including the UK, which is cheaper and easier than being in any other European country," he said.

The Capital city of Croatia, Zagreb for now seems to be the hot destination offering opportunities to work and settle down as well. The current exchange rate one kuna (Croatian currency unit is equal to Rs 7.75) is expected to increase once Croatia becomes a part of the European Union.

Island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean - Trinidad and Tobago - is another country which is keen to have investors from the region .With a Honourary Advisor to the High Commission of Trinidad and Tobago in India based at Mohali, the country is looking at investment in all areas.