highlighted the importance that her country and Peru attach to indigenous peoples.
"We are a country that shares many values with Peru, such as the importance we place on indigenous peoples," the diplomat told Andina News Agency.
The ambassador —who participated in a workshop with indigenous entrepreneurs within the framework of
APEC Peru 2024 events— pointed out that for
Australia fair trade cannot exist without the inclusion of indigenous peoples.
The envoy mentioned that the event featured many experts from Mexico, Chile, Australia, and other countries. The attendees discussed topics including purchasing from indigenous companies and environmental protection.
"The workshop addressed very important topics, including access to financing, the development of their economy in a self-sustainable manner, the use of digital tools, and how to train indigenous peoples so that they can connect with the world's major markets," she said in Spanish-language remarks.
Ambassador Ringland underscored that working with the
21 APEC economies allows for learning about very interesting experiences, such as the
Australian Government's program to
train entrepreneurs from indigenous populations, which launched its third phase this year.
"This year, we launched the third phase of an indigenous trade growth program that aims to train indigenous entrepreneurs to assist them in the process of introducing their businesses to the global market," she indicated.
Likewise, the diplomat mentioned that there is an increasing number of indigenous leaders involved in entrepreneurship and development programs for their communities.
"We have seen women leading their enterprises as pioneers from their communities, which proves the experience and capability of indigenous women," she emphasized.
The diplomat said the products and services that indigenous peoples can offer are very important, adding that prices should be set for them in a fair manner.
"That's a pretty major challenge as well," she noted.
Ambassador Maree Ringland said Australia, as a founding country of the
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in 1989, continues to work with Peru as a key partner on very important issues such as inclusion, the development of a sustainable economy, and the empowerment of vulnerable populations, especially indigenous peoples.