Allianz Real Estate is looking to make new inroads into Brazil and China this year, according to its chief executive.

Oliver Piani said Allianz’s property division is β€œalready examining new markets”, giving Brazil and China as examples. More investment in retail real estate – which currently accounts for 19% of its property portfolio – is also on the menu, he added.

Piani said: β€œIn 2013 we substantially strengthened the retail share of our portfolio. In the not-too-distant future, we will endeavour to raise this to 30%.”

Last year, Allianz Real Estate spent around €3.2bn, of which €2.3bn was direct and indirect investment in Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland and the US. Real estate financing rose by €900m to €6.6bn.

Allianz said its total portfolio is set to rise from €30bn at present to €40bn.