Peru assumed the presidency pro tempore of the Andean Community in a Tuesday ceremony held at the General Secretariat of said sub-regional integration mechanism.
Peruvian Foreign Affairs Minister Nestor Popolizio noted this presidency will focus on the proximity of citizens to the bloc.
Additionally, the government official emphasized citizens should see concrete benefits from this integration to strengthen the Andean identity.
Plus, he underlined the implementation of a virtual Andean Migration Card, the access to the sub-regional roaming service, and the start-up of electricity interconnection projects are tangible benefits from the
Andean Community.
The diplomat explained that trade among member countries gives a positive stimulus to the production of
SMEs —a key economic sector for job creation in this sub-region.
On the other hand —he continued— integration benefits translated into soft ground transportation measures for people and goods, as well as a gradual reduction of trade barriers.
He went on to stress the value of Andean institutions, which has harmonized a set of sectoral policies and has served to foster other integration processes in the region.
Popolizio concluded by saying that the Andean Community will celebrate half century of integration next year.
The occasion will be propitious to convene a meeting of the Andean Presidential Council and to renew the bloc's political commitment to the sub-regional integration process started in 1969.
(END) NDP/RMB/MVB
Published: 5/30/2018