Peru urgently needs to close gaps in water, sanitation, housing, transportation, and other sectors. Against this backdrop, the
—the French State's development bank—said it is interested in supporting new infrastructure projects in the South American country.
"We see that the key sectors are closely linked to infrastructure because there is still much to be done in closing gaps in water and sanitation, transportation, housing, and energy. In the latter case, more work is carried out with the private sector through our Proparco arm," AFD Director in Peru Xavier Mesnard told Andina News Agency.
"These issues are and will remain very important for Peru because we are talking about urban development, water and sanitation, sustainable transportation, and other projects with an impact on the country's development," he added.
The French official highlighted that initiatives related to sustainable transportation are being carried out with the Urban Transport Authority for Lima and Callao (ATU) and the National Sustainable Urban Transportation Program (Promovilidad), entities linked to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MTC).
"We are working on project development and have two main areas of work: one is the improvement of road intersections, traffic lights, bus stops, etc., while the other is the development of bus corridors," Mesnard indicated.
"At the time, we worked on Lima and Callao Metro Line 2, participating in meetings and providing technical input. In that regard, we can do the same with Lines 3 and 4," he added.
Mesnard noted that the French Development Agency has already participated in 46 projects in Peru and provided €868 million in loans.
"Work was carried out with the Municipal Savings and Credit Banks (CMAC), expanding access to financing for small businesses and underbanked populations, in addition to sustainable social housing programs supporting Fondo Mivivienda, as well as other projects," he said.
The French Development Agency director highlighted that Peru is moving toward more sustainable and inclusive development by promoting solutions to challenges such as territorial inequalities, climate vulnerability, and access to opportunities.
"From its cities to the Amazon, institutions, and communities are already leading transformations aimed at improving quality of life and protecting ecosystems," Mesnard said.
"Along that path, the French Development Agency supports the country as a long-term partner by strengthening capacities, connecting experiences between Peru and France, and backing solutions developed together with local stakeholders," he concluded.
(END) CNA/MVB