Merino noted that Peru is currently competing with other countries around the world to attract investments in a context of slow economic growth in China and European countries.
"Countries like Chile and Colombia are creating conditions to attract investments," he said.
He stated that over 75 percent of private investments in the country goes into this sector and added that the public should 'close ranks' to protect the industry.
"We cannot grow without investment and we will not have funds to fight poverty," Merino said.
(END) JJN/GCO/MOC