Andina

President Vizcarra confirms Peru's commitment to strengthening Pacific Alliance

10:45 | Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Jul. 24.

President Martin Vizcarra reaffirmed the Inca country's commitment to strengthening the Pacific Alliance, a platform where integration is key to the development of peoples in the region.

During the closing panel of the fifth business meeting "Pacific Alliance: trade integration mechanism and its relevance in Latin America," Vizcarra stressed the importance of being a member of this integration scheme, which also comprises Colombia, Chile, and Mexico.

"We ratify our willingness and commitment to enhancing the Pacific Alliance, with the aim of improving quality of life and well-being of citizens in our countries," said the Head of State from the western Mexican city of Puerto Vallarta.

Speaking in the presence of his counterparts Juan Manuel Santos (Colombia), Sebastian Piñera (Chile), and Enrique Peña Nieto (Mexico), the Peruvian leader noted Pacific Alliance member states should create the synergies necessary to make the leap into development.

"We'll work to achieve that objective. The goals are clear and defined. Besides, politicians are willing to follow them, and I'm convinced they will be easier to achieve if we work together," he stated.

In this sense, the statesman reiterated that integration is fundamental to the development of our peoples, hence the need to strengthen institutions in Latin America.

"We cannot achieve sustainability with good economic performance and bad institutions," the President pointed out.

He also said that one of the challenges is to apply new strategies to respond to climate change and secure water sources for cities, as well as key activities like agriculture.

Peru's top official arrived in Puerto Vallarta on Monday afternoon to participate at the Pacific Alliance Summit, an event in which Peru will assume the pro-tempore presidency of the bloc for 2018-2019. 

About

According to its own definition, the Pacific Alliance —created in 2011— is an integration initiative focused on reducing trade barriers, as well as fostering the free circulation of goods, services, capitals, and people across its territories.

The bloc relies on observer countries and represents the eighth-largest economy in the world.

Nowadays, it has become the axis of a new way of doing business across the continent.

Likewise, it has become a new platform to negotiate deals across the hemisphere.

On an annual basis, the Pacific Alliance rotates the pro-tempore presidency among its members.

It must be noted Chile was handed over the presidency by Peru in 2016, and then Colombia was chosen to hold it in 2017.

(END) JCR/FHG/RMB/MVB

Published: 7/24/2018