PERUVIAN MARKET HOLDS A LOT OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOUTH AFRICAN PRODUCTS

PERUVIAN MARKET HOLDS A LOT OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOUTH AFRICAN PRODUCTS

By BRIAN KAJENGO 

The South African businesspeople in the mining sector have been urged to grab the numerous and vast opportunities that currently exist in Peru. The business delegation led by the Ambassador of South Africa to Peru Ms Elsa Dry, visited the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers to learn of the opportunities available and possible areas that be explored in the sector.

The Director of the Institute Mr Gonzales Galindor informed the delegation that Peru was a country with lots of opportunities in mining and construction that South African businesses could tap into. He said the fact that Peru’s economy was growing at such a rapid pace, and that the country was lagging behind in terms of infrastructure development was enough indication of the need for investment in the country.

“Peru has experienced a steady economic growth of over 5% in the last three years and is the third highly globalised country in South America. Mining imports to the country have increased to the value of US$113 in 2013 from US$72,2 in 2012,” said Mr Galindor.

He added that capital goods and construction material were high on the requirement list of the country because of all the construction that is happening in the country. According to Mr Galindor, Peru is one of the lowest risk countries to do business in and its laws are also friendly towards investors.

Ambassador Dry encouraged the South African businesspeople to utilise the services and support available through the Embassy for them to do business with the Peruvians.

“I hope the information acquired here can be utilised as a base for you to establish your products in this vast market and ensure that trade between South Africa can be increased,” she added.

Ambassador Dry together with the officials from the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) also met with the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism to explore other areas of possible collaborations and engagements in as far as trade and investment is concerned between the two countries.