08:01 | Bogota (Colombia), Jan. 26.
Peruvian Foreign Affairs Minister Oscar Maurtua said the
Pacific Alliance must recover the founding spirit that motivated its creation by promoting greater growth, development, and competitiveness among its member economies, which must result in tangible benefits for their citizens.
"Today we hold in our hands the responsibility to formulate real, concrete and immediate effect policies to address and mitigate the vulnerabilities caused by the pandemic and economic instability, measures that in turn help to reduce inequality and improve our preparation for future crises," he stated.
Remarks were made on Tuesday during his participation in the meeting of the Pacific Alliance Council of Ministers held in the Colombian capital, Bogota.
Maurtua affirmed that the regional bloc needs to maintain its relevance and speed by materializing the presidential mandates —which are being adopted each year— in concrete actions.
He went on to say that among the matters requiring immediate attention are the increase in intra-regional trade and the completion of talks with candidates for
Associated State status.
"I believe that this regional integration mechanism retains its ability to enhance our geostrategic orientation towards the Asia-Pacific region. We must work on a strategy of political and commercial linkages with future Associated States, with Singapore being the first," he remarked.
The diplomat called for redoubled efforts to strengthen small and medium-sized companies; for a closure of gender gaps; for development of true digital integration; and for a joint commitment to education, science, technology, and innovation.
"These tasks cannot be circumstantial in the face of the current crisis (of COVID-19), but long-term policies based on a real and effective commitment with all social and economic actors," he expressed.
Pacific Alliance
The
Pacific Alliance constitutes a regional integration mechanism made up of Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru, through which it seeks to progressively advance towards the free circulation of goods, services, capital, and people.
This is part of a strategy to become a platform for projection to the world, with emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region.
On this occasion, Colombia will hand over the Pro Tempore Presidency to Mexico for the 2022 period.
Peru will assume the bloc's Pro Tempore Presidency in January 2023.
Publicado: 26/1/2022