13:25 | Cali (Colombia), Jun. 30.
The idea of Pacific Alliance (PA) members —Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru— to promote an "Associate State" category will further strengthen the economic bloc, Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski affirmed on Friday.
Speaking during the 12th Pacific Alliance Presidential Summit plenary session, the Head of State echoed the stance of hosting nation's President Juan Manuel Santos, who had previously assured the
initiative consolidates the PA.
"This idea of an Associate State —which begins now— is highly promising and it will reinforce us, since […] here we favor prosperity, economic growth, trade, as well as small, medium and large enterprises, and integration," he said.
Such Associate State rank will constitute an intermediate category between the bloc's 4 founding members and its 52 observer states, which include countries like Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, the UK and the U.S.
The statesman went on to highlight PA's positiveness, which has resulted in "such high interest from far-away countries in setting foot in here as associates."
Regarding the recently-announced accession of four economies under such new category, the Peruvian leader assured said countries are "very interesting" given their outstanding growth levels and inclusive economies.
To round off
the Summit, Mr. Kuczynski and fellow PA leaders will adopt the Declaration of Cali, which is to be revealed along with adopted agreements.
Then, the closing ceremony will be held at the site. The event's official photo is expected to be taken at 01:15 PM (local time).
Later, the Peruvian leader will hold a work meeting with the Pacific Alliance Business Council (CEAP), at which topics about boosting private investment for Peru will be discussed.
The 12th Pacific Alliance Summit intends to reinforce this regional integration initiative comprising Colombia, Chile, Mexico and Peru.
(END) CVC/DHT/RMB
Published: 6/30/2017