23:54 | New York (US), Sep. 21.
President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski stressed the relevance of formalizing Peru’s economy and increasing the tax base, as well as granting universal access to drinking water services nationwide.
Organized by the Council of the Americas, the "Talk with Pacific Alliance Presidents – Trade and Investment in Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru" saw the presence of Heads of State: Michelle Bachelet (Chile), Juan Manuel Santos (Colombia), Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (Peru) and Economy Secretary Ildefonso Guajardo (Mexico).
Regarding Pacific Alliance’s situation, the Head of State indicated productivity levels differ in each member State.
In this sense, he noted Peru —unlike Chile— "has a huge an informal sector." Thus, his recently-sworn-in administration seeks to make progress in economic formalization.
"The informal folks have a productivity that’s a third or a quarter of the formal ones. You know, we have to change that," he stated.
Likewise, he reaffirmed informality leads to "very low" tax contribution from small and medium-sized enterprises.
“The benefits of formalizing are very clear, and there will be a credit revolution in Peru, if we are able to push the formalization agenda forward, which I think we’ll be able to do," he assured.
According to the Head of State, such credit revolution will become "an enormous impulse to growth."
Later, Mr. Kuczynski said one of his administration’s objectives is to widen access to drinking water.
During his participation, the Head of State also backed the peace process led by Colombian counterpart Juan Manuel Santos. In this sense, he mentioned the need for Colombian citizens to vote in favor of the peace deal in the upcoming referendum.
Concerning the crisis-situation in Venezuela, the President underlined the Alliance's willingness to help out.
(END) FGM/SMA/MVB
Published: 9/21/2016