Living in Peru : your everyday companion

Nextel lends 700 phones to EU-LAC Summit organizers

(LIP-do) -- In an effort to enhance organizing capacity, Wireless communications company Nextel is to lend 700 mobile phones to EU-LAC Summit organizers thanks to an agreement signed by the company and the High Level Commission of the V Summit of Heads of State and Government of the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean (EU-LAC). The president of the EU-LAC High Level Commission, Ricardo Vega Llona, said this agreement will also allow organizers to tighten and implement security measures for the summit. Vega Llona highlighted the advanced technology to be used at the summit which includes unlimited wireless communications service (Unlimited Nextel Direct Connection). Mobile phones will be distributed among the different Summit organizing teams covering areas such as Direction Center, Transport, Security, Health, Informatics, Maintenance, Room Management, Zone Supervisors, and Press Department Ministry of Foreign Affairs, among others. Company's president in Peru, Miguel Rivera, said that Nextel is determined to support and provide the necessary services to make this Summit a great success.


Schools in Lima and Callao to display EU-LAC countries' flags

(LIP-do) -- As part of the activities to welcome EU-LAC representatives, all schools in Lima and Callao will display the flags of the 60 participating countries at the V Summit of Heads of State and Government of the European Union, Latin America, and the Caribbean (EU-LAC) to take place in Lima from May 13 to 17. Public and private schools will be part of the festive atmosphere upon the arrival of world leaders and delegates attending this important event to be held at the National Museum and Library. Directors of the Local Education Management Units (UGELES) are in charge of the rule’s application issued by the Ministry of Education, said the coordinator of municipalities and Education sector, Javier Morán. ”The goal is that every school displays the 60 flags with the National flag giving a colorful frame to the additional cultural-artistic activities to take place in the different districts of Lima”, said Morán.


15 special police units to provide security during world summits

(LIP-do) -- Over fifteen special police units of the Peruvian National Police (PNP) will ensure security and public order across the country before, during and after the world summits to take place in Peru this year. Some of the Special Police Units are the APEC General Command, the Police Operations Executive Directorate (DIREOP), the Anti Terrorism Directorate (DIRCOTE), Crime Investigation Directorate (DIRINCRI) and the Special Operations Directorate (DIROES), among others. Local authorities and a special team of police officers have been preparing for two years to host the world summits. Police units have looked to previous APEC and EU-LAC host countries for advice on security matters. PNP’s general director, Octavio Salazar, pointed out that 94 thousand 500 police officers will be working night and day to provide security during the major events.

News Source: Andina

New patrol vehicles to arrive on May 9th to guarantee safety for EU-LAC Summit

(LIP-do) -- The minister of Interior, Luis Alva Castro, announced today that the first patrol vehicles from a fleet of one thousand cars purchased by Peru’s Police Force through an international public bid will arrive on May 9th. “The new patrol vehicles will start to arrive on May 9th. We have trained staff to use these vehicles and will provide us more safety”, he said. Alva Castro assured that the safety measures for the V Summit of Heads of State of the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean (EU-LAC) are now guaranteed. Furthermore, he explained that several government officials have traveled abroad in the last two years to evaluate how the different presidential summits have been carried out and gained experience to guarantee the safety of the guests.

Lima school directors and mayors to be trained on EU-LAC Summit

(LIP-do) -- The directors and mayors of the Lima schools will be trained, from April 23 to 30, on the significance of the International Summits which will take place this year in Peru, focusing in the V Summit of Heads of State and Government of the European Union, Latin America, and the Caribbean (EU-LAC) to be held in May. According to the activities scheduled in the educational area, school directors who belong to the Local Education Management Unit l - UGEL N 3, which includes Cercado de Lima and others districts such as Lince, Breña, Pueblo Libre, Magdalena, Jesús María, La Victoria, San Miguel and San Isidro, will be trained today. Ugel Nº 3 Director, Cornelio Gonzáles Torres stated that in this training –in charge of expositors of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs- will participate 300 directors and topics will be not only related to the nature and importance of EU-LAC for Peru but also to the active participation of the population, particularly the school community, in order to receive the distinguished visitors in the framework of a civic feast. He also added that they are preparing allegorical floats, a gastronomic festival with typical dishes of the 60 countries which constitute the EU-LAC Summit and a concert with representative music of each country.


Peru to organize 6th Secure Trade in the APEC Region Conference in August

(LIP-do) -- Peru will organize in August the Sixth Secure Trade in the APEC Region (STAR VI)Conference, which will have a temporary character in the framework of the meetings of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) that will be held in Peru this year. Topics at the STAR Conference have focused on policies and procedures to enhance security and efficiency in the APEC region's seaports, airports and other access points, including port and airport security, shipping container security, coastal patrol, capacity building, financial assistance, and private sector initiatives.The STAR initiative is also fostering coordination between public and private entities that it is highly necessary to counteract terrorist threats through the supply chain. To continue reading this article, click here.

News Source: Andina

Arequipa to present investment projects at APEC business round

(LIP-do) -- Arequipa’s regional government will present some projects in agriculture, industry and tourism at the Business Round, which will take place in Lima in the framework of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC). The regional head of Arequipa Juan Manuel Guillén Benavides said that the Majes Siguas II project will be presented in the agricultural area and alpaca wool processing plant installment in the industry area. The opening of new tourist routes in provinces such as La Unión, Condesuyos and Caylloma, places with many natural landscapes, will be presented for the tourism industry. “The general management is carrying out some plans which will be presented at the Business Round and we hope some of the member economies, which will  participate in this event, will be interested in some of them”, he said. Guillén added that these proposals will be ready by the end of the month hoping they will be well-received by the 21 member economies.


News Source: Andina

III CAN-EU Round of Negotiations began today in Quito, Ecuador

(LIP-do) -- Delegates from the Andean Community of Nations (CAN) and the European Union launched today in Quito (Ecuador) the III Round of Negotiations for a bilateral Association Agreement. The meeting which aims at proposing initiatives to strengthen ties and cooperation between both blocs will last until this Friday. The discussions on an association agreement with the European Union are based on three important pillars: political dialogue, cooperation and trade. Representatives from the two blocs will meet to discuss issues on market access measures, environment protection, intellectual property and regional, cultural and audiovisual integration. To read the rest of the article, click here.

24 restaurants in Miraflores to offer healthy food during EU-LAC and APEC Summits

(LIP-do) -- The Municipality of the Limeñan district of Miraflores, in coordination with the Department of Environmental Health (Digesa), certified 24 restaurants enabling to serve the best Peruvian cuisine and service to their customers and visitors attending the EU-LAC and APEC Summits. Of these 24 restaurants, ten renewed their "Healthy" accreditation, while the other 14 entered in this list for the first time. They are Punta Sal, Scena, Pasquale, Pescados Capitales, Señorío de Sulco, Punto Azul, Vista al Mar, La Rosa Nautica, Bohemia, Caplina, Atlantic City and Atlantic City Gourmet Self Eleazar. And the others are: Tiendecita Blanca, Tony Romas, Pardos Chicken, Brujas de Cachiche, Rincon Gaucho, Marriott Hotel, Cuarto y Mitad, La Mar y el Tanta. Renowned chef and promoter of the Peruvian cuisine in the world, Gaston Acurio, who attended this ceremony as owner of the restaurant Astrid and Gastón, welcomed the initiative of the Municipality and assured that this type of campaign requires restaurants to join forces to give customers a high-quality healthy service. To continue reading this article click here.

“Tusuy Kusun” chosen as official song for EU-LAC summit

(LIP-do) -- The song “Tusuy kusun”, by Damaris, is still receiving distinctions. After being awarded with two “Gaviota de Plata” (Silver Seagull) prizes at Viña del Mar Festival in Chile, Damaris' song has been chosen as the official song for the V Summit of Heads of State and Government of the European Union, Latin America, and the Caribbean (EU-LAC). “It’s a honor my song represents this event, specially because it invites to the integration, celebration and joy of a nation like Peru for the unity of the world's nations. We are lucky Peru hosts this event”, said Damaris. Peru’s Prime minister, Jorge del Castillo, said this song composition presents an adaptation to motivate population and young people to take part of this important event. Damaris added that perhaps young people are disconnected with this summit, but the idea is to reach everybody because we (Peruvians) are who will welcome representatives of other countries. The term “Tusuy Kusun” (in Quechua) means “lets dance”.

News source: Andina

Bachelet confirms attendance at V EU-LAC summit in Lima

(LIP-do) -- Chilean President Michelle Bachelet will visit Peru to attend the V Summit of Heads of State of the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean (EU-LAC) in May, said the Chilean ambassador to Peru, Cristián Barros. He said that a delegation of the Chilean government will arrive in Lima next week to determine what topics will be on Bachelet's agenda at the summit.  President Bachelet will visit Peru a month after Peruvian and Chilean agents met at the International Court of Justice at the Hague to fix the schedule for the maritime border dispute between both countries. Ambassador Barros said he does not know if Bachelet's agenda includes a bilateral meeting with her Peruvian counterpart Alan García Pérez. Chilean ambassador added that bilateral meetings will be determined in the next days.


Fisheries Training Center in Paita to train 500 Peruvians to work in Spain

(LIP-do) -- The Fisheries Training Center in Paita (CEP-Paita), located in the department of Piura, will help 500 Peruvian fishermen to upgrade their skills so they can work in Spain upon special request from sector-related companies, said today the Peruvian vice minister of Fisheries, Alfonso Miranda. He said that through an agreement with Spain’s cluster of shipowners, Peruvian personnel will be trained in the CEP-Paita. The process will start this year, and then the trained staff will travel progressively to the European country. “There is a strong demand and recognition for the great skills of the Peruvian artisanal fisherman”, he said. He also explained that the most important of the agreement is the recognition of the CEP-Paita as a qualified center to respond to the demanding European labor market, especially the Spanish one. Miranda mentioned that CEP-Paita has already trained 45000 fishermen in different areas such as artisanal fishing training for mariners, fishing net assembling, motorists, among other ones. The CEP-Paita has trained fishermen from different countries of the region, among them are Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Chile, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Colombia.


Over 1500 journalists to cover V EU-LAC summit 2008

(LIP-do) -- More than 1500 local and foreign journalists will cover the Summit of Heads of State and Government of EU-LAC from the International Press Center (IPC) which will be installed at Lima's National Library. The International Press Center has rooms designed for holding conference, two exposition terraces where Peruvian products will be offered (by Promperu), Tourism and Bank agencies, among other facilities. In this respect, Lima's National Library, located in the quiet district of San Borja, will remain closed from April 20 to May 20.


News Source: Andina

Anchovy proposal to reduce world hunger is accepted in APEC

(LIP-do) -- The Peruvian proposal regarding fishing anchovies for direct human consumption in order to reduce world hunger was well-received by the APEC delegates attending the19th Meeting of Fisheries Working group, said today the Peruvian Vice-Minister of Fisheries, Alfonso Miranda. He noted there are over 850 million hungry people in the world and 60 percent of them live in the APEC member countries. “The anchovy proposal for direct human consumption has been well-received by the APEC member economies", he said. Miranda said there is a possibility for Peru to provide the international markets with this product.  Doing this, Peru could contribute with food security not only here but also als around the world. In 2007, 72000 tons of anchovies for direct human consumption were caught and processed in Peru and this year it is expected to catch 80000 tons, he added. In addition, he said Peruvian fishing of anchovy is not overexploited and is being managed in a sustainable and responsible way.

Drug trafficking issue to be discussed at EU-LAC summit

(LIP-do) -- The drug trafficking issues which affect Latin America, the Caribbean and the European Union, as well as other poverty-related topics will be discussed at the V EU-LAC Summit to be held in Lima, said Ricardo Vega Llona, president of the High Level Commission of this summit. He pointed out that although drug trafficking is not a priority topic on the agenda, it will be also discussed because narco-terrorism neglects and delay the fight against poverty and environmental development which are considered main topics of the summit. The president of the High Level Commission said that “drug-producing countries” could take advantage of this summit by asking for concrete support from the European Union in their fight against drug trafficking, asking “consuming countries” for a real commitment to their cause. “There are different sectors which are concerned about this topic. I believe they consider drug trafficking a significant damage, but still there is not a real commitment. I think we don't get the recognition we deserve, it is an unequal fight”, he added.

APEC delegates to visit Fisheries Training Center in Paita

(LIP-do) -- The APEC delegates attending the meetings of the Fisheries and Marine Resource Conservation working groups in Piura, will today make a technical visit to the Fisheries Training Center in Paita, announced the president of APEC 2008 High Level Extraordinary Commission (CEAN), Luis Giampietri Rojas. During this visit, delegates will be able to appreciate how Peruvian fishing technical workers are trained, with a modern infrastructure and a professional profile. To continue reading this article, click here.

News Source: Andina

25 new motorcycles donated to enhance security during summits

(LIP-do) -- The Peruvian minister of Interior, Luis Alva Castro received a donation of twenty-five motorcycles to improve patrolling and security of Limean streets in the framework of the EU-LAC and APEC international summits. The twenty-five Honda CM 125 motorcycles worth 31,250 dollars and were donated by the Banco de Comercio (Commerce Bank) in order to increase the number of police vehicles patrolling the streets. The motorcycles will be deployed to police units which have been preparing local strategies to ensure public security and prevent possible terrorist attacks during the summits. Alva Castro added that police forces are giving the best use of the new equipment and vehicles donated by many enterprises and foreign countries in the last months. The new minister of defense Mercedes Araoz, stated to Andina News


Limean districts organize gastronomic and handicraft fairs for EU-LAC summit

(LIP-do) -- The municipalities of La Molina and Pueblo Libre, both tourist districts in Lima, are organizing gastronomic and handicraft fairs to receive delegates attending the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean (EU-LAC) Summit. According to the mayor of La Molina, Luis Dibós, the handicraft and gastronomy fairs will take place from Thursday May 15 to Saturday 17 in different areas of La Molina, a high-end district located to the east of Lima. During the previous days to the meeting, local authorities will promote the many tourist attractions in La Molina such as tours to Huaca Melgarejo (located near La Fontana Avenue) and Huaca Granados (near Constructores Avenue). Other interesting places to be visited by tourists are the Plaza del Cañón which commemorates the Battle of La Rinconada, La Molina Lagoon, and the International Potato Center (CIP). In turn, Rafael Santos Normand, mayor of Pueblo Libre (a small, quiet residential district located not far from the Historic Center of Lima) said that Pueblo Libre in a joint work with the National Institute of Natural Resources (INRENA) have coordinated a series of activities including gastronomic fairs aimed at promoting Peruvian main natural products.


APEC meeting in Piura has positive impact on hotel industry

(LIP-do) -- The 19th Meeting of Fisheries Working Group (FWG) and the 21st Meeting of Marine Resource Conservation Working Group (MRCWG) held in Piura with the attendance of 114 APEC delegates has have a positive impact on the hotel sector and local economy. The head of operations at APEC 2008 meetings, Gonzalo Ansola, emphasized that this is due to the presence of APEC delegates, businessmen and officials who attended this meetings and therefore gained the attention of the people in Piura. “There are no more rooms available in Piura. It’s so impressive. The delegates are accommodated in four different hotels in the city”, he stated. “Everything is working really well”, highlighted Ansola. APEC 19th Meeting of Fisheries Working Group (FWG) and 21st Meeting of Marine Resource Conservation Working Group (MRCWG) will resume today.

News Source: Andina

EU-LAC Summit International Press Center installed at National Library

(LIP-do) -- The EU LAC Summit International Press Center (IPC) was installed today with a 30 meters long banner placed in Peru’s National Library, located in the district of San Borja. The facility will be the main headquarters for national and international press (more than 1500 journalists from around the world) during the V EU-LAC Summit to be held from May 13 to 17.The building has eight rooms designed for holding press conferences given by Heads of State and other European and Latin American delegates. Every room will have a booth for simultaneous interpreting. Furthermore, the IPC will offer technical advantages for the media such as more  computers, network points for portable equipment, cable TV, screens, printers and free internet access. It will also have two terraces where the Peruvian Export and Tourism Promotion Agency (PromPerú) will offer several Peruvian products, as well as a tourism agency and a bank among other services. The International Press Center will be officially inaugurated on May 12 and will be closed on May 17. In an effort to provide a better service for international media, IPC will be operating 24 hours a day.


Canine Police will also provide safety during the EU-LAC Summit

(LIP-do) -- The Canine Police will form part of the "capsules of protection! which the National Police of Peru (PNP) will assign to each of the delegates who will arrive in Lima for the V Summit of Heads of State of the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean (EU-LAC). The canines have been trained in for various tasks, including defense and attack, detention of explosives, of chemical substances, and so on, informed Octavio Salazar, General Director of the PNP, to TV Perú in an interview. The canines have been training for the past two years and will be able to display their skills during the summit to be held in May.


News Source: Andina

Hugo Chávez confirms attendance to EU-LAC in Lima

(LIP-do) -- Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez will visit Lima in May to attend the V Summit of Heads of State and Government of the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean (EU-LAC) to be held in Peru on May 16-17, announced the Venezuelan ambassador Armando José Laguna. In his statements to Andina, ambassador Laguna said that “Hugo Chávez’s attendance is confirmed” adding that Venezuela is committed to actively participate at the international summit. “We are optimistic and we hope that the V European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean Summit will be a successful event for Peru and for all those who would participate in that summit”, he added. When asked about the alleged Venezuelan meddling in Peru, ambassador Laguna pointed out that the Peruvian-Venezuelan relations are currently in pretty good shape. “We maintain a stable and cordial relation and there is a continued communication between both countries. What is reported by the media is not what we feel”, Laguna said.


300 taxi drivers of Piura to receive training in tourism and quality service for APEC

(LIP-do) -- Piura’s regional government will host tomorrow Sunday a workshop in tourism and good service for 300 taxi drivers with the purpose of offering a quality service during the APEC forum. The sub-regional manager of Social Development, Elizabeth Calle Ato, informed today that the workshop will be conducted by experts in tourism and economic development, quality service, and orientation tour guides. She also indicated that the participant drivers will get stickers to be easily identified as a guaranteed service for tourists. Additionally, at the end of the workshop, the participants will get a respective certification which will support their daily work. This activity is coordinated with the taxi drivers, the regional management of Economic Development and the regional office of Foreign Trade and Tourism. ´

APEC economies to promote sustainable fisheries in Piura Working Group

(LIP-do) -- The APEC 19th Meeting of Fisheries Working Group which gathers 100 delegates from the 21 member economies and the 21st Meeting of Marine Resource Conservation Working Group began today in the northern city of Piura. The Fisheries Working Group (FWG) aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of fisheries resources, sustainable development of aquaculture and habitat preservation, development of solutions to common resource management problems, the enhancement of food safety and quality of fish and fisheries products, sector-specific work relating to trade and investment liberalization and facilitation. To continue reading the article, click here.


Cusco to launch Investment Guide at APEC 2008

(LIP-do) -- In an effort to promote investment and business opportunities in the Imperial city of Cusco, an Investment Guide will be available to the foreign delegations attending the APEC forum. The head of the Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism (DIRCETUR), Jean Paul Benavente, said this investment guide is being drafted in a joint work with the Regional Economic Development Commission and with the support of ProInversión, the Peruvian Investment Promotion Agency. He explained that the investment guide will help foreign delegates to find investment projects designed to improve the quality of life in the city and to reinforce productivity and competitiveness of local enterprises. “The investment guide will provide information to both local and foreign investors on business opportunities in Cusco, including potential investments in the handicraft and jewelry industry, which have become quite profitable", said Benavente. It will also be accompanied with detailed information on the local gastronomy and the world-renown tourist attractions of Cusco. The material will be available in English, French and Spanish.


50 countries to attend V EU-LAC Summit in Peru

(LIP-do) -- 50 countries have already confirmed their attendance to the V EU-LAC Summit to be held in Lima on May 16th, stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Latin American countries which will participate in this international summit will be Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Dominican Republic and Uruguay. From the European Union 27 countries have already confirmed the participation. Among are: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, as well as Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Great Britain, Greece, Hungry, Ireland, Italy, Leetonia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania and Sweden. To continue reading this article, click here.

News Source: Andina and Prensa APEC

APEC Tourism Ministers to issue Pachacamac Declaration

(LIP-do) -- The Tourism ministers attending the 5th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Lima will sign the “Pachacamac Declaration” which affirms the important role of tourism in the economic development of the Asia-Pacific. The Pachacamac Declaration aims to further boost the tourism sector’s growth and generate income and employment for local communities. It also promotes tourism as an important factor in the conservation and protection of the environment and as a way of addressing issues of social and cultural relevance. The Tourism ministers, vice ministers and high-level officials of the 21 APEC member economies agreed to encourage Responsible Tourism to reduce the negative social, cultural and environmental impacts and to generate increased socio-economic benefits for local communities engaged in tourism-related activities.

Singapore and Korea plan direct flights to Peru

(LIP-do) -- Singapore and Korea, which are two of the 21 member economies of the APEC Forum, plan to launch direct flights to Peru, announced today the minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism Mercedes Aráoz. “Not only China plans a greater connectivity with Peru but also other Asian countries such as Singapore and Korea”, she said. Araóz said the dialogue with both governments have already started in order to establish the feasibility for these projects. “We are discussing this topic with Singapore and Korea because this is a negotiation issue of great interest to improve the air connectivity between our countries as well as between Asia and America”, she stated. In addition, the Tourism minister stressed on the interest of the 21 member economies which participate at the V Tourism Ministerial Meeting (TMM) of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) to improve the air connectivity in order to increase tourist flow.

Ecuador pushes for CAN - EU agreement, says Ecuadorian ambassador

(LIP-do) -- The Ecuadorian ambassador to Peru, Diego Ribadeneira, assured that his government is pushing for the signing of an association agreement between the Andean Community of Nations (CAN) and the European Union (EU). “Ecuador pushes for this agreement by joining forces with Bolivia, Colombia and Peru to strengthen the CAN's position as a future partner of the European bloc”, he told Andina. To continue reading article, click here.


News Source: APEC Prensa and Andina