Echo Polska plans to become leading cash generating polish property group

Echo Polska Properties, a company that listed on the JSE in September last year, has recently released its maiden results. The CEO, Hadley Dean, sheds light on the company's impressive growth and future prospects in an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa. Poland, with its booming economy and young population, has become a hotspot for real estate investment. Dean highlights the country's 45% GDP growth from 2007 to 2016, far surpassing many other European nations. Poland's proximity to Germany has positioned it as a key manufacturing hub, attracting businesses looking for cost-effective solutions. Moreover, Poland's vibrant population of 40 million, including 1.4 million university students, offers a promising market for retail and office spaces. EPP has expanded its portfolio from 16 to 19 properties through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of five shopping centers and a prime retail site in Warsaw. Dean emphasizes the company's focus on being a 'pure Polish property group,' enabling them to capitalize on Poland's growth potential. While competition is stiff in the real estate sector, EPP's singular focus on Poland sets them apart from international funds with diversified portfolios. The looming specter of Brexit in the European Union raises concerns, but Dean remains optimistic about the EU's resilience and underscores Poland's competitive advantage as a cost-effective business destination post-Brexit. He points out the 60% lower cost of housing in Poland compared to the UK, leading to an influx of jobs and opportunities for the country. Dean also addresses the immigration issue, highlighting Poland's Catholic heritage and its accommodation of Ukrainian immigrants. Looking ahead, EPP is poised for a bright future, with retail sales on the rise and plans to solidify its position as a national leader in the Polish real estate market. With a 12% increase in Net Asset Value (NAV), EPP is well-positioned to capitalize on Poland's growing retail sector and expand its reach across the country, cementing its status as a dominant player in the market. The CEO's vision for EPP as a 'national champion in Poland' reflects the company's commitment to leveraging Poland's economic potential and transforming the real estate landscape.