has been appointed as the new Director of the APEC Economic and Technical Cooperation Committee Program.
The APEC Secretariat attributed Minister Counsellor Obando's selection to his "analytical skills and expertise in the field of multilateral diplomacy."
His outstanding role as liaison officer between Peru and the APEC Secretariat during the Peruvian Presidency of the 2024 forum was also recognized.
This appointment marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time that an official from a developing economy has assumed the leadership of this Committee.
Historically, the position has been held by representatives from developed economies such as Canada and the United States.
The selection of Obando Peralta is also a recognition of Peru's important and sustained contribution —over the past 27 years— to the development of APEC's substantive agenda.
Likewise, it reflects Peru's consolidation as a key platform for economic and technical cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
During the two years prior to this appointment, Minister Counsellor Obando led the APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Working Group program and served as the liaison officer for APEC Peru 2024 with the forum's Secretariat.
His career includes positions at the Permanent Mission of Peru to the United Nations in New York and at the Directorate-General for Multilateral Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
APEC Committee
The APEC Economic and Technical Cooperation Committee is one of the most important bodies within the forum's structure.
It is distinguished by being the only committee composed of the Senior Officials (SOM) from its 21 member economies.
Its main responsibilities include approving the work plans of the fourteen thematic groups under its purview, as well as managing cooperation funds and programs.