Important economic boost: Lambayeque Free Trade Zone approved to promote regional development.

In an important step for the economic development of the Lambayeque region, the Permanent Commission of the Congress of the Republic unanimously approved the declaration of national interest for the creation of the Lambayeque Free Zone (Zofralambayeque) in the district of Puerto Eten, province of Chiclayo. With 28 votes in favor, 0 against, and 0 abstentions, the green light was given to bill No. 867, which proposes to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with the aim of promoting industrial, agro-industrial, assembly, maquila, and service activities to boost the socio-economic development of the area through investment and technological progress. The creation of "Zofralambayeque" will be the responsibility of the Organization and Administration Committee, which will be attached to the Regional Government of Lambayeque and will have administrative, technical, economic, financial, and operational autonomy. This committee will be composed of representatives from the Regional Government, the Provincial Municipality of Chiclayo, the District Municipality of Puerto Eten, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur), the Ministry of Production (Produce), the Chamber of Commerce and Production of Lambayeque, and the National Society of Industries-Lambayeque Headquarters. However, despite the legislative push for the creation of new SEZs, the approval of a framework law regulating their operation is still pending. The Congress' Economy Committee approved a bill that establishes a special tax and customs regime for new private Special Economic Zones (SEZs), in which private companies would be responsible for proposing and managing these zones, while the State would evaluate and approve the proposals. The government is also working on a bill to promote SEZs, with the intention of having a single regulation that governs all free zones in the country. The Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Elizabeth Galdo, has mentioned that they are considering promoting an SEZ in the Port of Chancay as the first privately managed one in Peru, although a concrete proposal has not yet been presented. In this context, the question arises about the possibility of SEZs having a special tax and customs regime that promotes investment and development in these areas. Furthermore, opening up to private operators for the management of free zones could generate growth and expansion opportunities in the country, allowing for reinvestment of capital in new areas of economic development. The creation of the Lambayeque Free Zone represents an important step in strengthening the regional economy and promoting investment in productive activities that drive the region's development. However, it is essential to establish the necessary regulatory framework to ensure the proper functioning of these zones and create a regulatory framework that encourages sustainable investment and economic growth.