Birmingham's private sector developers and construction companies have given "sterling support" to the city's presence at MIPIM 2010, the global property conference in Cannes in March, according to city council leader Coun Mike Whitby.

The financial support given by the private sector this year has far outstripped the amount the public sector has had to contribute.

Coun Whitby said that the backing of major business names like Birmingham Development Company, Argent, Targetfollow, Nikal and Keepmoat, with additional support from Sahlia Investments, Rider Levett Bucknall, Arena Central, Bruntwood, McLaren Construction, Glenn Howells and Calthorpe Estates, had been vital in giving Birmingham a major presence at this year's event.

The world's top investors and over 420 local authorities from 79 countries are among the 2,000 exhibitors expected to attract an audience of over 25,000 to this year's four day conference which runs from Tuesday, March 16, to Friday, March 19.

"Obviously the economy is still very tight but that simply highlights just how committed these companies are to the Birmingham cause," he said.

"Their sterling support for Birmingham's bold development plans and our vision for the next ten years - The Decade of Delivery - is absolutely tremendous.

"Our private sector friends in Birmingham support their city in a way that is not matched by any other UK city, and we can all be rightly proud of that."

He also thanked Advantage West Midlands, City Region, Jaguar Land Rover, Amey and Radisson Blu Hotel for their support.

"The big advantage that Birmingham and the West Midlands has over every other region is that we work as a team and we are working towards the same goals.

"We may sometimes disagree on the roadmap, but we know that in the next ten years we want to build a Birmingham that has a world class reputation for innovation and regeneration."

As well as major transport projects such as the £120 million runway extension planned for Birmingham International Airport and the £450 million Chiltern line, Coun Whitby listed the many attractive major investment projects which are contributing to Birmingham being a "dynamic city," including the £600 million New Street Gateway station, £550 million final phase of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the Cube building.

He cited flagship projects such as the £188 million library and the £60.5 million Olympic standard swimming pool as evidence of the city's vision.

"We have 20:20 vision on what we want to achieve in this city and region by 2020," he said.

With a runway extension at Birmingham International Airport and the onset of the High Speed 2 rail link to London in 46 minutes, he said the city was on track to raise its global presence and push on into the top 25 cities in the world.

"Birmingham City Council can lead the way but we cannot do this on our own, which is why I am particularly pleased at the support the private sector has shown to our MIPIM campaign this year and in previous years," he said.