Ambassador of Canada to Peru and Bolivia, Louis Marcotte, highlighted the opportunities that our country has to offer in mining, banking, and transportation sectors.
Canada has invested nearly US$10 billion in Peru's mining sector,
but if the banking and transportation segments are considered, the capital reaches US$14 billion, he said in remarks to
El Peruano Official Gazette.
How has trade between Peru and Canada evolved since August 2009, when the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between both countries entered into force?
Trade between Peru and Canada has doubled because now the value of exports and imports is US$5.7 billion per year. When you talk about trade between both countries, you think about the import of wheat to Peru to make bread and cookies, while minerals are exported to Canada.
However, what we expect in the following years is a diversification of the products that are exchanged. Non-traditional products are available now, as well as a variety of types of operations, because an increased participation of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which take advantage of the FTA, is currently perceived.
What was your impression of Perumin, held on September 25-29 in Arequipa, in which Canada was considered as a partner country?
We had a pavilion at Perumin. The delegation members told me that it was a success because they held very good meetings with Peruvian entrepreneurs, authorities, and representatives of institutions to make progress in the issue of bilateral trade. We are very happy with that.
Which sectors in Peru arouse the interest of Canadian entrepreneurs?
Of course we have to talk about mining as Canada has already invested US$10 billion in this sector, but in total US$14 billion is registered, considering the banking and transportation segments.
The mining sector is important since both Canada and Peru are major producers of minerals. So, there is a lot of experience on both sides, which can be shared.
And infrastructure?
Maybe in projects at artisan fishers' piers. We discussed that issue with the
Ministry of Production (Produce), but there are other projects in which we are highly interested, because Canada relies on this government-to-government agreements model, and I know that Peruvian authorities are currently interested in this scheme in order to close infrastructure gaps, as is the case of the Lima and Callao Metro.
And what about Lines 3 and 4 of the Lima and Callao Metro?
Exactly, considering that Canada has a lot of experience in this sector and top engineering companies, which are already present in Peru as they operate in the mining sector.
Many Peruvians travel or wish to travel to Canada. What opportunities can they find in your country?
The number of Peruvian students traveling to Canada doubled last year, because there are very good academic institutions, universities, and schools in my country.
Peruvian students traveling to Canada are very interested in pursuing post-graduate studies or exchange programs at some universities in order to study in Canada for one semester and then return to Peru with a new experience.
That is also one of our priorities since the bonds that are formed when you are young remain intact, so they will be friends of Canada forever. Besides, we offer temporary work permit programs, and Canada receives many immigrant workers at this moment because there is a labor shortage. Information regarding procedures, conditions, and criteria is available on our
website, and one of the most important requirements is to speak French or English.
After participating at Perumin and exploring the opportunities that our country presents for Canadian investors, what is your perception about the current situation in Peru?
It was a tremendous week. The Canadian companies that took part at Perumin are very pleased. Therefore, there is a positive vibe, an enthusiasm for Peru.
(END) DOP/WRR/JJN/RMB/MVB
Publicado: 5/10/2023