announced a US$1 billion investment in Peru over the next five years by the renowned bottling companies Coca-Cola Peru and Arca Continental Lindley. This decision reflects the private sector's confidence in the country's future and in the leadership of the new Government.
The Head of State made the announcement on Tuesday after meeting with the multinational company executives and touring its bottling plant in Lima's southern Pucusana district.
"The Coca-Cola Company and bottling company Arca Continental have announced that they will invest US$1 billion over the coming years (…) from that money, US$500 million will go toward neighborhood store infrastructure and direct support across every link in their value chain," she stated.
The Head of State said the investment sends a very positive message and expressed hope that it will serve as an example for the entire private sector that believes in and invests in Peru.
She noted that investment in the country creates jobs, improves people's quality of life, expands opportunities, and helps reduce poverty.
"We held a meeting during which they (company's executives) explained how they are investing. We also toured the plant and saw that the investment is aimed at protecting the environment by recycling water, while demonstrating a strong commitment to the community," Fujimori explained.
Donations due to El Niño
At another point, the President noted the company will invest US$90 million through the Works for Taxes mechanism as well.
The Head of State indicated those funds will be allocated to a potable water and sewerage system in Pucusana, a project expected to be ready within three years.
"This is also very important to highlight and serves as an invitation for other private companies to do the same," Fujimori pointed out.
Furthermore, the top official announced that Coca-Cola Peru and Arca Continental Lindley will donate two million liters of water and 150,000 blankets to those communities forecast to be affected by El Niño in the coming months.
Confidence in investing in Peru
The President emphasized that the investment reflects confidence in Peru's future.
Moreover, the Head of State expressed hope that other major companies will continue placing their trust in the country.
The top official said she hopes the company will train and hire more young people, as well as incorporate micro and small enterprises into its production chain, as it already does with the 370,000 neighborhood stores it works with.
"For our part, the Government has a firm commitment to guaranteeing stability, legal certainty, and an adequate climate for investment, while not neglecting the role that, as a State, we must fulfill in protecting workers, because economic development cannot be measured solely in figures," she stated.
The President underscored that Peru needs more investment, confidence, responsibility, and social commitment.
"That is why our objective for these five years is very clear: a State that guarantees stability, security, health, education, and a better quality of life for all Peruvians," she noted.
Contribution to development
For their part, Coca-Cola Peru and Arca Continental Lindley noted that their US$1 billion investment in Peru over the next five years aims to continue contributing to the country's economic and social development, boost their distribution capacity, and strengthen their operations.
They said the investment will be aimed at expanding and modernizing production, operational, and market service infrastructure, as well as strengthening cold-chain infrastructure, the use of returnable packaging, and supporting initiatives that reinforce their brands' cultural connection with Peruvian consumers.
"This investment reaffirms our long-term confidence in Peru. At Arca Continental, we will continue strengthening our production, commercial, and distribution capabilities, boosting profitable and sustainable growth that creates shared value and contributes to the development of the communities where we operate," the company’s CEO Enrique Perez Barba stated.
The companies also said they continue to make progress on the Pucusana Scheme Project through the Works for Taxes mechanism.
The initiative aims to provide more than 31,000 district residents with access to potable water and a modern sewerage system for the first time.
The Pucusana Scheme Project will require an investment of S/291 million (about US$85.9 million) and is the largest project awarded nationwide under the Works for Taxes mechanism in 2025.
Preparation of the project's technical file began in April, a key step toward implementing the project.
Once completed, it will be transferred to Lima Drinking Water and Sewerage Service (Sedapal).
(END) HTC/FHG/MVB