Mexico’s construction opportunities
Published on:
19 Mar 2009
Mexico is increasing by 1 million people a year. The result is a need for 4 million more houses and a thorough upgrade of the country’s infrastructure.
Skills in demand
- Anything to do with the PFI
- Facilities management
- Cost management
- Auditing
- Civil engineering
- Urban, regional and transport planning
- Project management
- Sustainability, legal, financial and technical advisers
- Cement and steel subcontractors
Top tips for working in Mexico
- In the office, titles are important. Always use “señor/señora/señorita” followed by the person’s surname
- Business cards should be printed in English on one side and in Spanish on the other and are exchanged at the start of a meeting
- Mexicans have a relaxed attitude to timekeeping so don’t be surprised if meetings start late, finish late or are rescheduled at the last minute
- Personal relationships will lead to more business so be prepared for lunches and drinks to become part of your working day
- Tequila is often ordered at business lunches but should be sipped rather than knocked back in one
- Traditional fare is green and red chilli sauces, scrambled eggs with chilli and cactus leaf and meatballs stuffed with egg and smothered in more chilli sauce. Have a large glass of water on hand...
For more on working in the region visit Building's The market in Mexico: What are you afraid of, gringo? .