on Tuesday affirmed that joint and coordinated international cooperation and solidarity are essential for overcoming the health, economic, and social consequences of COVID-19.
Likewise, the diplomat argued that the pandemic has further hampered certain economic sectors such as small entrepreneurs, youth, women, and indigenous peoples —most of whom work in the informal economy.
Under the current circumstances —he said— trade and investment are essential for boosting economic development. In this sense, the government official believes the
Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific could serve to boost the region's recovery.
"Peru believes that one of the areas in which the APEC Forum has enormous potential is, indeed, the formalization of all economic agents. The recommendations and good practices shared at this forum can benefit APEC economies so as to move forward towards becoming more resilient and inclusive societies," he pointed out.
Furthermore, the diplomat indicated that for this recommendation to be effective and for its benefits to be truly enjoyed, our societies and economies must match economic formalization with digital reforms.
"The fourth industrial revolution challenges all economies to generate local business ecosystems that promote innovation. Therefore, one of APEC's most important goals must be to enhance cooperation aimed at fostering an environment propitious for the digital economy driven by the market, and this can create new opportunities for the internationalization of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises," he pointed out.
The Ambassador also said the COVID-19 pandemic forces us to make an urgent assessment of the quality of life of our societies. Thus, it is necessary that all efforts within the APEC translate into tangible benefits, in harmony with environment protection; quality education; fair and safe employment; and sustainable economic growth.
Foreign Affairs Minister Maurtua ended his presentation by reaffirming Peru's willingness to continue developing closer ties with all economies of the Asia-Pacific region. This is reflected in Peru's proposal to host the 2024 edition of the APEC Forum with the aim of continuing to promote an inclusive economic growth agenda for the sake of our peoples and the benefit of future generations.