Living in Peru : your everyday companion

Info provided and translated by the
American Chamber of Commerce of Peru (AmCham Peru)

Due to that, eighteen delegations of enterpreneurs representing Peruvian subsidiares of American companies went to Washington, D.C.

These more than 90 representatives made over 325 visits to Bush Administration officials, congressmen, senators and its staffers.

Also, it is important to recognize the effort made by the Business Coalition created by the AmCham of the United States (the U.S. Chamber of Commerce), that gathered more than 700 institutions, business associations and companies. This Coalition also visited U.S. congressmen, worked with the U.S. press and stimulated the discussion of the PTPA and its benefits and opportunities among the American public. This Coalition held meetings every Monday at 4.00 pm, in Washington, prior to the meetings held in Lima by the CENI –its local counterpart that reunites the most important business associations in Peru- at 1.30pm.

AmCham Peru also organised visits, first of former Ambassador Ferrero and then those of the current Ambassador of Peru in the U.S., Felipe Ortiz de Zevallos to twelve states in order to discuss and present the benefits of the PTPA to local authorities and governors, local chambers of commerce and media.

All this work was supported by the opportune preparation of factsheets of the benefits of the PTPA for each state, testimonies written for congressional hearings, briefings, supporting letters of key authorities and representatives, among others. And it was necessary, since in most cases people had to be aware of what Peru was in the first place!

Then trade opportunities could be discussed and presented, as well as economic and social development opportunities. It was crucial to clarify all the myths that were created by those against the PTPA and also make sure that the discussion of the PTPA was taken into account as a priority in the American Legislative Agenda.

The hard work towards that goal has finally shown its results and now we exist in the minds of more decision-makers of the United States. Now, it is our duty to work towards the prompt implementation of the PTPA and thus take advantage of this great momentum for Peru and enjoy the many opportunities of this agreement.