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President García Opens 16th APEC Leaders’ Summit Today

Peruvian President Alan García Pérez will open Saturday afternoon the 16th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit held this weekend in Peru's capital Lima.

The primary objective of this important meeting, hosted by Peru for the first time, is to discuss measures to address the global financial crisis hitting world markets.

According to the agenda, the Peruvian leader will head to the Ministry of Defense Convention Center at 12:15 p.m. to welcome the visiting leaders of the 21 member economies.

At 1p.m., Peru’s García Pérez will participate in the first APEC leaders retreat at the Ministry of Defense Bolognesi Hall.

Afterwards, at 5 p.m., he is to participate in a dialogue between Asia Pacific leaders and ABAC representatives on the 7th floor of the Ministry of Defense Convention Center.

After this event, the Peruvian head of state will hold a series of meetings with APEC leaders attending the annual summit.

At 5:15 p.m., García will hold a meeting with Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the Huascaran Hall of the Ministry of Defense Convention Center. 

Then, President García will hold talks with New Zealand’s Prime Minister John Key and Philippine President Gloria Arroyo at 5:50 and 6:30, respectively.

News source: Andina

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Peru and Hong Kong Sign Cooperation Agreement over Trade and Investment Facilitation Deal

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Ju Hintao Urges Multinationals and Enterprises to Act Responsibly when Facing the Global Financial Crisis

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Japanese Enterprises Evaluate the Possibility of Investing in Mining and Gas Projects in Peru

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U.S. President Bush Arrives in Peru amid Tight Security

On his second state visit to Peru since taking office, U.S. President George W. Bush has arrived in the Peruvian capital Lima to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Summit this weekend.

President Bush's Air Force One landed at the Air Group Nº 8 at 2:50 p.m. amid tight security measures.

During his stay in Peru, Bush will hold a working meeting with Peruvian president Alan García Perez.

Bush will also have bilateral meetings with his Chinese counterpart, Hu Jintao, Korea’s Lee Myung-bak and Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso.

Bush said in a recent interview that Peru is a strategic partner, with open markets and a growing economy, which makes it an ideal country for investment.

The outgoing U.S. president also noted that the implementation process of the Free Trade Agreement with Peru could conclude before January 2009.

News source: Andina

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President Garcia Announces Start of FTA Negotiations with South Korea

Peru’s president Alan García announced this afternoon the start of negotiations of a Free Trade Agreement (TLC) between Peru and Korea, during a working meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Lee Myung–bak, at Government Palace.

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The Free Trade Agreement with Peru Should be Ready Before January of Next Year.

This visit to Peru marks President George W. Bush’s last official international summit meeting. Before leaving for Peru the President talked about the importance of free trade agreements, international relations with Latin America and the positive view he has of our country.

This will be your last time participating in the APEC Leaders Summit. What is your vision of the future or what do you imagine is to come with respect to commerce and the integration of nations in the Asia–Pacific Region? 

It is a very important Summit. It is a chance for a group of important nations to discuss problems and opportunities they all have in common.  I am very grateful that the Peruvian government organized this summit and also with the Peruvian people for the warm welcome they have given all the international leaders. This is just an excellent opportunity to speak about commerce, freedom and drug trafficking. It is also an important moment for the world to see that Peru is a great ally and friend of the U.S. and for the world to see the great nation that Peru is.

It is expected that the final declaration of the APEC will focus on various different significant aspects of the G-20 agreement signed last week. What do you think about that?

It is very important that the Peruvian people understand that I have taken the decision to expand the G-20 so that developing nations can sit at the same table with developed nations and discuss the economic crisis together. That would not have happened in the past. My decision makes it possible for the world to come closer together and for a base to be created to make sure a financial crisis such as this one never happens again. It was a very successful summit. From that stand point what the APEC Summit will do -what I hope it will do- is echo the aims of the G-20, which had good results. I consider that Peru plays an important role in all this.

Your presidency has been devoted to forming trade agreements. Do you consider you have been successful in fulfilling your objectives or do you think there is still considerable work to be done, work which your successor should continue?

I am a believer in free trade because it directly helps small businesses, agricultural producers and landowners. Free trade agreements help these folks especially. Countries with this system are able to sell their products, services and crafts on the world market. I consider it the best way to help developing countries. Free trade agreements allow both parts to be benefited. We have had several good experiences in the past, as is the case of Peru which has been a complete success. There are 13 other agreements that were very successful during my presidency. There are still some pending Congress’ approval such as the agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. It is very important for leaders who visit Peru to listen and express themselves openly seeing as free trade agreements are very beneficial.

Some people think that the U.S. often forgets about Latin America. What do you think can be done to improve relations between these regions?

Many mistakenly think that George W. Bush only cares about the danger that terrorists in the Middle East represent. I worry about our neighbors in Latin America, whom I have visited often during my travels to the region. For example, this is my second visit to Peru. Everyone must know that it is very important for the president to pay attention to his neighbors because their orderly and pacific progress is of great interest to the U.S. There are however more important things than travel and speeches, such as helping the implementation of social organizations, health care and good education. We have a relationship as partners and that is a very health thing.

Why do some people feel differently?   
 
I worry when I hear someone say that the U.S. is the big kid on the bloc and that it is always the one yelling orders as to what should be done in any specific country. That happens sometimes when we are dealing with governments that we are not on friendly term with, when they decide to take a different path. We are always amiable. On past trips we have always been devoted to meeting with people in need and those less fortunate to let our concern be felt by them. In two months I will be leaving the Oval Office with the strong belief that my administration did all it possibly could to increase and develop bilateral and regional relations, much more at least than what had been attempted in the past.   

What must be done to achieve a free trade agreement with Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia?

Ecuador and Bolivia have not solicited a free trade agreement with the U.S. We have been in negotiations with Colombia but Congress has not approved any agreement yet, which to me is a mistake. I hope the agreement is approved in future.   

During your government you gave your support to a law which reforms migration. Do you consider it important that the new Congress should find a definitive solution to help the thousands of immigrants?

We have worked hard to achieve migratory reform during my presidency but sadly nothing has been completely resolved. It is a very important and delicate political issue. We must recognize that our immigration system needs reform, better border control, and to make sure the laws are not broken. We also have to take into consideration that there are people trying to help their family members and thus they need to work and they need a plan to be able to do that work legally. That is why we have developed a temporary workers plan.

You visited Peru for the first time in March 2002. On that occasion you said Peru was a strategic partner of the U.S. Six years later what is your opinion on the state of bilateral relations between your country and Peru? 

I still think that Peru is a strategic partner. It is a country with notorious economical growth and development, with an open market and a very good system for investment. It is also a very cooperative country when it comes to the fight against illegal drug trafficking. Personally I have a good relationship with President Garcia. That is what I call good strategic partnership and that is a positive thing for both countries.

In 2007 the U.S. and Peru signed a Free Trade Agreement. Do you think that the necessary tools for such an agreement to develop efficiently exist so that both countries may develop diplomatically, economically and commercially?  

We have signed a free trade agreement with Peru it was approved so now all that is left is to work together during the final stages of its completion. Everything must be within the parameter of the law and both governments must collaborate on this. One of the first things I plan on doing once I arrive in Lima is talk to my friend President Alan García to check on different aspects of the completion of the agreement. Everything could be ready before January 2009.

In the last few years Peru has become an ideal place for investment. What is your vision of Peru’s economic future?

Peru has become the ideal objective for investment and that is important for the creation of employment. We must keep in mind that investment is a clear sign of trust. That investment increase in a country is an indicator of transparency and a good legal system. The people of Peru must know they are living in a stable country. Investment is larger than it was in the past according to President García and that is a good sign. People must look at everything with a positive perspective.

Do you believe the time has come to explore new areas of cooperation and integration between the U.S. and Peru?

My time as president has ended but I will be able to tell my successor that we have explored new areas. The relationship between the U.S. and Peru is built on a solid foundation and that is important. The next president will be able to build on that foundation. I will be able to tell President Garcia and the Peruvian people that it has been a great experience to be able to work with Peru. We hold the Peruvian people in a position of very high esteem and I know the history of their country. I remember the way in which they faced the terrorists and how difficult it was to restore freedom. Peru is the result of everyone’s hard work.  

News source: El Comercio

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Peru Offers Safe Haven for Panicky Investors

Peru offers economic, social and political stability for panicky investors who are fleeing from other countries, Peruvian President Alan García Perez said Friday at the opening session of the APEC 2008 CEO Summit.

He assured that Peru, unlike some neighbors, is going to maintain currency stability, macroeconomic balance, low inflation, investment-friendly policy, among other favorable conditions for investment which would contribute to increased employment and prosperity.

"The country also offers its economic growth. In 2006, Peru grew 7.6% thanks to the current and previous administrations; it grew almost 9% in 2007 and is expected to rise 9.4% this year. The important thing is that Peru’s growth for the next years would be over 6 percent," President García said Friday.

In his speech at the APEC CEO Summit held at the Ministry of Defense Convention Center, the Peruvian leader highlighted the diversity of investment opportunities Peru has to offer for investors and entrepreneurs from APEC economies.

President García also asked entrepreneurs from the 21 Asia Pacific economies to regain confidence in the financial system, without waiting for governments to do something about the financial crisis.

"My first call is to restore confidence and not wait for what the G-20 or governments can do,” García said

The CEO Summit provides the opportunity for senior business people to hear from and engage in discussion with political leaders, policy makers, influential academics and comentators, media representatives and other CEOs.

The leaders of Australia, China, Indonesia, Chile and Peru as well as Singapore's Foreign Minister and Indonesia's Trade Minister will attend the first day of the CEO Summit, held at the Ministry of Defense Convention Center in the Limean district of San Borja. 

News source: Andina

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ABAC asks APEC Leaders to Support G-20 proposals to Face Financial Crisis

The APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) asked Thursday for APEC leaders to support proposals included in the G-20 Declaration issued on November 15th in order to implement reforms in the world financial system and, in this way, to overcome the international financial crisis.

"ABAC considers that the strong commitment of the G-20 towards an open global economy is absolutely consistent with the APEC vision and asks its leaders to solve the most important issues of Doha Round negotiations", said ABAC chairman Juan Francisco Raffo.

He pointed out that the Business Advisory Council of the Asia-Pacific region strongly supports the G-20 leaders management for not putting new barriers on investment or goods trade and services, imposing new restrictions on exports.
 
"ABAC asks APEC leaders to maintain the commitment and establish a process to monitor and report this implementation", he noted. 

News source: Andina

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Waiter, There’s an APEC Fly in My Ceviche Classico!

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