The coffee-growing country is one of the main foreign investors in Peru.
The plenipotentiary minister in charge of the Colombian embassy in Peru, Eufragio Morales, highlights the solid relationship that unites both countries and the importance of regional mechanisms such as the Andean Community and the Pacific Alliance to continue deepening economic and social integration.
At an event held in Lima, Morales stated that Colombia and Peru are strategic partners that make the most of these regional platforms to promote commercial exchange. “To the extent that we were practically founding partners of these two blocks, it makes the entire commercial exchange increasingly consolidated,” he noted.
The Pacific Alliance, according to the Colombian diplomat, is distinguished by its practical approach that actively links the private sector. This characteristic was fundamental to the success of the block and has given it a very positive future projection.
“We don't see it as being in stagnation. On the contrary, it is like an impulse that when each country has the pro tempore presidency, it gives it its own touch and makes it increasingly more integrated,” he says.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Morales also mentioned some challenges and opportunities that Colombia and Peru must address together within regional integration mechanisms. One of them is the integration of the informal sector of the economy, an aspect that is becoming increasingly important as the basis of economic and social development.
Another crucial issue is gender equality. In this sense, the Colombian diplomat highlighted the importance of promoting the empowerment of women and their full participation in the economy and society.
Connectivity is another fundamental aspect for regional integration. Morales emphasizes that, although integration mechanisms usually focus on issues such as customs regulations and trade in goods, it is necessary to give greater importance to the free mobility of people.
In this sense, strengthening air interconnectivity is a key measure to facilitate exchange between citizens of both countries.
The ambassador highlights that Colombia is one of the main foreign investors in Peru, especially in sectors such as infrastructure, natural gas and electrical interconnection.
"Indeed, what guarantees the private sector is investment when there is legal security and that, since we perceive that Peru offers it, is one of the reasons for the Peruvian economy to maintain its stability," he states.
COOPERATION
In the field of security, Colombia and Peru cooperate closely in the fight against drug trafficking and irregular migration. Both countries share the challenge of combating these threats effectively and protecting their citizens.
The Colombian plenipotentiary minister affirms that the integration between Peru and Colombia has great potential. “I would say as strategic partners we have many international scenarios in which we identify with issues such as the fight against drug trafficking and migration, which affect us equally. So we are countries with a bicentennial relationship that is becoming increasingly stronger as strategic partners,” he points out.
In short, Colombia and Peru are on a path of deep integration that covers various areas, from economic and commercial to social and security. Regional mechanisms such as the Andean Community and the Pacific Alliance play a fundamental role in this process, which undoubtedly has a promising future for both countries.
GROWTH AND EQUALITY
Colombia's foreign policy focuses on the consolidation and strengthening of institutions and policies that, in turn, respond to the pace of the changes that are emerging in the international system.
To this end, the government placed special emphasis on achieving growth and competitiveness, equal opportunities and peace consolidation, which lead to greater regional integration and diversification of relations and the agenda.
INVESTMENTS
- Last year, the Colombian Business Council (CEC) projected that that country's investments in Peru will reach US$400 million next year.
- The CEC, a trade association that brings together 220 Colombian companies that represent 90% of the total of Colombian investments in Peru, has the vital objective of representing, energizing and strengthening Colombian investments.
- Its mission is to promote the growth and consolidation of Colombian investments and Peruvian companies highly linked to Colombia.
