Peru remains on the international radar of major investors. Its solid macroeconomic fundamentals and the results achieved in recent years consolidate the country as a highly attractive destination for the development of new projects.
In this regard, European capital has not hesitated to establish itself in Peruvian territory, helping to dynamize key productive sectors and actively contributing to improvements in the population's quality of life.
This is the case of the Association of European Union Chambers of Commerce in Peru (EuroCamaras Peru). The non-profit organization brings together 12 European binational chambers of commerce operating in our country, according to a report published in the Official Gazette El Peruano.
"We aim to become the voice of European business in Peru. EuroCamaras seeks to position itself as a platform for dialogue between the European private sector and Peruvian authorities. We want to be strategic partners for the country, contributing to its development at the economic, social, and environmental levels," its Chairman, Marco Fragale, stated.
Value
In terms of value, Fragale noted that EuroCamaras seeks to highlight European investment in Peru and underscore the economic impact this investment has generated in the country.
"Besides, we want to propose opportunities to work together on an agenda that can improve the investment climate, particularly with regard to sustainable and competitive investment," he detailed.
Investors
The European Union is one of the main investors in Peru and has a significant presence of long-term capital.
"It has been a sustained presence in recent years, which has a strategic vision focused on the country's development. This investment is aligned with best practices and the highest international standards," he stated.
Thus, cumulative investments by European companies in Peru over the past 10 years — from 2014 to 2024 — have exceeded US$30 billion.
"This is a very significant figure, which positions us as one of the largest investors in Peru in recent years," the European representative said.
Those figures have recorded very strong growth as well.
"If we look, for example, at the increase recorded between 2019 and 2024, we are talking about a 63% rise in investment. These are not isolated spikes, but ongoing investments, which demonstrate the close relationship between the European Union and Peru" Fragale noted.
Similarly, the executive noted that more than 800 European companies operate in Peru across various productive sectors and generate over 100,000 direct jobs.
"This represents a value of significant impact on Peru's economic development, as it reflects a sustained commitment over time by the European Union and its companies, with the aim of enabling the country to consolidate itself as a long-term partner and ally," he remarked.
Sectors
European investments in Peru are particularly concentrated in long-term strategic sectors that drive the country's development and competitiveness.
"We are talking about sectors such as infrastructure, energy, health, and high value-added services," Fragale pointed out.
The executive explained that European companies are required to apply in the countries where they invest exactly the same quality standards they follow in their domestic investments in Europe.
"That is what we do in Peru. These investments generate a very strong economic impact, particularly because they are concentrated in strategic sectors," Fragale explained.
Thus, he added, there are European companies that have invested — and continue to do so — in the transition of Peru's energy matrix toward cleaner and renewable sources.
"For example, we have solar and wind energy sources. Investment is also being made in large-scale electricity transmission projects across the country to ensure more competitive energy supply in both the north and the south," he indicated.
Infrastructure
The European representative highlighted investments in transport infrastructure.
"There are European companies investing in road infrastructure, such as the Peripheral Ring Road and the Yellow Line," Fragale said.
"In air transportation, we have the new Jorge Chavez International Airport, which includes capital of German origin. In maritime transportation, let's recall that APM Terminals is a Dutch-capital company in charge of operating the Port of Callao; we also have European presence in urban transportation, as Lima Metro Line 2 is being built by a consortium that includes two Italian companies," he added.
Quality of investment
According to the EuroCamaras Peru chairman, another fundamental aspect in the development of bilateral relations between Peru and Europe is the quality of investment.
"Let's recall that these are long-term investments focused on strategic sectors. Moreover, this capital is here to stay: companies reinvest their profits in the country. These are capital-intensive investments with a strong emphasis on investment quality, project sustainability, and regulatory compliance," the executive specified.
Specifically with regard to compliance, Fragale noted that it is not only a matter of meeting the requirements and standards set by Peru, but also of complying with the high quality standards required by the EU.
Many European companies are required to adhere, in any country where they invest, to exactly the same standards and principles they follow in their domestic investments in Europe.
"European laws require companies operating outside the continent to apply the same labor and social standards that prevail in Europe. Therefore, it is not only a matter of complying with the labor regulations in force in Peru, but also of meeting international standards related to issues such as diversity and inclusion, human rights, labor rights, and a strong focus on occupational health and safety," the executive specified.
European companies invest in industry and services as well.
"They build factories and establish their businesses in Peru, from where they export their products; in other words, they produce for the domestic market as well as for regional markets. In doing so, they contribute to the country's productive capacity," Fragale explained.
Similarly, these European productive units invest in other strategic sectors such as health and technology, where there are significant gaps and opportunities.
"These companies are investing heavily in innovative medicines, medical devices, hospital supplies, and the digitalization of the healthcare sector, which will always have highly significant relevance in the future," the executive said.
Value chains
The contribution of European companies to growth is not only direct — in terms of a positive impact on gross domestic product (GDP) — but also involves a highly positive secondary effect through local value chains' development.
"European companies support local firms in building a development chain and transfer high-standard innovation and technology to these local businesses. This creates a multiplier effect, not only through strategic investment, but also through the creation of a high-standard value chain that makes a significant contribution to the country's competitiveness," the EuroCamaras Peru representative stated.
He detailed that in recent years European companies have remained in — and expanded within — Peru, even during periods marked by complex conditions, demonstrating the high level of confidence and strong expectations regarding the performance of Peru's economy.
Employment
According to the EuroCamaras Peru chairman, companies from five European countries — Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands — have generated around 113,000 direct jobs in Peru.
"Based on these figures, there is secondary employment, which means jobs generated through contractors required by our companies; this includes indirect employment, associated services, and other activities. Moreover, these are quality jobs: first, they are formal; second, they are stable, as they are linked to long-term investments and do not depend on short-term conditions," he said.