Leading international property consultancy and chartered surveyors Cluttons has agreed terms for a strategic alliance and business venture with VPC Asia Pacific to undertake commercial property consultancy operations across the region.

With 40 offices in major Asian countries - Malaysia, China, Thailand, India, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan and Indonesia - VPC Asia Pacific in association with Cluttons, will offer a wide range of real estate services, drawing on the expertise of both partners to deliver service to clients in the Far East and UK.

'This is a significant milestone for Cluttons as an international business and we are delighted to have reached this agreement with an established and well-respected property operator in this region,' said Cluttons senior partner Bill Siegle.

'Asia continues to be an attractive proposition for many of our corporate clients while the Asian players demonstrate great leadership through positive recovery measures following the global economic crisis.

'Asia, including China and India, is expected to have the highest growth rates and we want to play an effective role, together with VPC, in enhancing these economies.

'We are committed to growing Cluttons' international presence with strategic alliances and new joint ventures in the Middle East and the Far East, and the association with VPC Asia Pacific reinforces our strong belief in the strength and resilience of the Asian economies, with countries such as Malaysia leading the way for new development,' he added.

'Our strategic partnership will be of tremendous importance, allowing us to promote cross border investments across the UK, Middle East and the Asia Pacific, innovate the property valuation practices in the region and tap into Cluttons' international best practices and established network of experts and clients,' said VPC Asia Pacific regional chairman James Wong.

'We are also confident that our collaboration with Cluttons will facilitate exchange of knowledge and specialised skills, helping us to introduce the Asia Pacific as a property destination to the UK and Middle East investors.

'Similarly, many Asian players, especially property developers, leisure and hospitality operators and manufacturers, are exploring opportunities beyond borders particularly in the Middle East and Europe; and this is where our partnership with Cluttons will help facilitate the process,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service