Economy and Finance Minister Maria Antonieta Alva on Wednesday affirmed that the Government has S/5 billion (around US$1.41 billion) guaranteed for the economic revival phase, once the
mandatory social isolation —imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country— comes to an end.
"We have a significant fiscal space that will allow Peru to face this crisis. We have spared no resources during the containment stage and neither will we do so in the
economic revival phase," she expressed during a press conference.
Minister Alva explained that this revival will be fueled by greater public investment and the creation of temporary jobs. "These are some of the aspects we are looking at," she said.
According to the government official, the amount of money to be used during the reactivation stage might be greater than S/5 billion (around US$1.41 billion), but this will depend on the real impact on the Peruvian economy.
Containment stage
The cabinet member recalled that the economic plan prepared by the Government —in order to mitigate the impact caused by the
coronavirus (COVID-19) spread— consists of two parts: the current containment stage (while social isolation occurs) and the reactivation stage.
In this sense, the minister noted that a total expenditure of S/16 billion (about US$4.54 billion) is destined for the possible scenarios.
On this occasion, the President was joined by members of the Council of Ministers and other authorities. The event was held at the Government Palace in Lima.
Wednesday marks the tenth day of mandatory social isolation.
END) RGP/JJN/RMB/MVB
Published: 3/25/2020