Peru: FA Minister closes 18th APEC SME Summit 2025 in Lima

09:10 | Lima, Sep. 10.

Foreign Affairs Minister Elmer Schialer closed the 18th APEC SME Summit 2025.

The government official highlighted that during Peru's 2024 APEC Presidency, the country played a leading role in supporting SMEs by reaching consensus on the Pucallpa Declaration and promoting the Lima 2025–2040 Roadmap to accelerate the transition toward formal and globalized economies.

This event took place on Tuesday within the framework of the APEC Business Advisory Council – Peru Chapter, organized by COMEX Peru.

It highlighted the progress of our micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, a government priority, preparing Peruvian ventures to compete in an increasingly demanding global market.

Minister Schialer emphasized that to help SMEs access more markets and fully seize Asia-Pacific opportunities, the work of various ministries —including those of Production, Agrarian Development and Irrigation, Foreign Trade and Tourism, and the Foreign Affairs Ministry— is being coordinated with the private sector.

He added that this effort promotes formalization, digitalization, and innovation as drivers of growth and better services for the population.

The day featured panels on financial inclusion, tools to face digital challenges, and sustainability.

It featured representatives from the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), the Peruvian Institute of Economics, TikTok, as well as various public, financial, and telecommunications institutions.

These discussions addressed the specific needs of SMEs.

Approximately 1,500 SMEs from various Peruvian regions attended the Summit.

The event is part of the APEC for the People initiative, promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to bring the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum closer to Peruvian civil society, providing useful information and practical tools for entrepreneurs and consumers.

(END) NDP/FHG/JCR/MVB

Published: 9/10/2025