Andina

British Ambassador: UK is the main foreign investor in Peru

00:04 | Arequipa (Arequipa region), Sep. 20.

The Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Peru Kate Harrisson has affirmed that her nation is currently the main foreign investor in the South American country due to the major mining projects run by British companies in the territory.


"And it is currently the largest investor in Peru," Ambassador Harrisson expressed. 

"But it is not the only British company with an important presence in Peru. Rio Tinto has been leading the exploration phase of La Granja, and a number of important companies, such as Glencore and BHP Billiton, have shares in the Antamina company (…)," she noted.



"Those who are most affected by the lack of infrastructure are the poor citizens. Water, transportation, schools, and hospitals have the potential to make a real difference in individual well-being and in the development of human beings," she added.

Importance of mining

The British envoy underlined that mining is one of the most powerful engines of socioeconomic development in resource-rich countries such as Peru, representing more than 10% of GDP and 22% of foreign investments.

"Because of the challenges emerging from climate change, the world needs a sustainable approach to mining. In addition, the industry understands that it needs to continue evolving with the purpose of meeting the growing expectations of society (...)," Harrisson stated.

"Responsible mining, as a development anchor, has the potential to be transformative for the communities and countries where the projects are developed," she concluded.

Remarks were made during the 34th edition of Perumin, the world's second-largest mining convention taking place in Peru's southern city of Arequipa.

(END) CNA/DTK/MVB

Published: 9/20/2019