Peru positions itself as a leader in international trade during APEC 2024 in Lima.

The recent Leaders' Week of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, held in Peru, has highlighted the country's intention to position itself as a key player in international trade and investment. President Dina Boluarte, in closing the event, emphasized Peru's commitment to dialogue and consensus-building, describing the days of the summit as “arduous but productive,” and reaffirming the country's image as a destination open to international cooperation.

During this event, crucial topics such as inclusive growth and digitalization, which are essential for the modern economy, were addressed. However, one of the most notable points was the inclusion of labor informality as a priority issue on the agenda. In a country where more than 70% of workers operate informally, President Boluarte stressed the need to transition towards a formal economy that offers greater guarantees and benefits to the population.

The Lima Roadmap was presented as a key deliverable of this summit, aiming to provide a framework of public policies that facilitates the transition from informality to formality in the Asia-Pacific region. This document is not only a step towards labor formalization but also represents a regional commitment to address a problem that has persisted for years without a clear solution.

The Ichma Declaration, which was also generated within the APEC framework, proposes a new approach to free trade, considering contemporary aspects such as sustainability and inclusion. This type of agreement not only seeks to promote trade but also to address the changing needs of economies and improve the quality of life for their citizens.

The event was not only a showcase to discuss economic issues but also allowed for the visibility of emblematic projects such as the Chancay mega-port, which promises to position Peru as a port hub in the region. This development will not only facilitate trade with Asia but can also be a catalyst for foreign investment and a boost for the local economy.

Additionally, the signing of the Free Trade Agreement with Hong Kong and the Optimization Protocol with China are milestones that strengthen Peru's commercial presence on the Asian continent. These agreements will open new opportunities for Peruvian exporters and facilitate access to strategic markets.

The summit also attracted the attention of world leaders, such as the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, and the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, who recognized the stability and growth of the Peruvian economy. This recognition can be a vital boost for more investors to see Peru as an attractive destination.

At the same time, collaboration with the United States was reaffirmed with the disbursement of 65 million dollars aimed at combating drug trafficking, a problem that has affected the country's development. This cooperation is essential not only from a security standpoint but also to consolidate international trust in the Peruvian government's ability to manage complex challenges.

Beyond high-level meetings, APEC 2024 was also characterized by the holding of numerous events and meetings that involved different sectors of Peruvian society, conducting 280 international events and 11 ministerial meetings in various cities across the country. This not only broadens the impact of the event but also includes different regions in the conversation about Peru's economic future.

In conclusion, the APEC Leaders' Week has been a crucial moment for Peru to reaffirm its commitment to economic and social growth while facing the long road towards the formalization of its economy. The implementation of clear policies and the strengthening of international cooperation will be vital to transforming these commitments into tangible realities that benefit all Peruvians.