Brazil: a land of "considerable opportunity", says rics

Brazil is a land of "considerable opportunity", according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Writing about his recent trip to the country to monitor the firm's progress one year after opening a chapter and meet with key influencers, RICS President Elect Michael Newey said he aimed to understand the Brazilian market considerably better than he could just by reading market reports. 

"We need national and state governments to understand our purpose and how we might assist them," he said. 

Newey also met with the Ministry of Cities in Brasilia.

"We discussed the ambitious programme for low cost housing construction in the country and particularly the gaps in professional services that inhibit, delay or compromise the programme," explained Newey. " Two obvious examples are the lack of project management and cost consultancy."

RICS also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IBAPE, the national association for valuers.

"IBAPE are keen to adopt our standards of competency and professionalism.  The MoU commits us to information exchange, membership development for their leading members, training sessions, knowledge exchange and mutual understanding," commented Newey.

He concluded: "There is no doubt in my mind that Brazil is fertile ground for the RICS and with effective planning, appropriate and realistic investment, and the on-going staff member partnership, I am optimistic for this region."