16:18 | Santiago (Chile), Nov. 30.
Peru, Chile and the rest of Pacific Rim countries must give a “clear response” to the new protectionism looming over the world, Peru’s President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski affirmed during the National Meeting of Private Enterprises (ENADE) in Santiago, Chile.
In this respect, the Head of State assured that, while the future of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) remains uncertain, efforts made up to this point have not been in vain. “We can join it [work done] to East Asia’s integration efforts and give a clear response,” he said.
He added Pacific Rim nations are still in time to face this threat that looms in the shape of the Brexit and the recent U.S. elections.
“We need to wake up, because there are certain industries that will simply cease to exist,” he warned.
Likewise, he stressed that, despite the disparity in their income levels, Peru and Chile need to face together the challenges posed by the current international scenario.
In this sense, the Commander-in-Chief pointed out both countries rely on a common major instrument, namely the Pacific Alliance (PA), an economic integration bloc composed of the two countries, along with Colombia and Mexico.
“We need to harness the Pacific Alliance to face this new protectionism,” he remarked.
The 78-year-old also expressed his optimism about Latin America, adding the region will make great strides over the next years despite the complex global context.
“A hundred years ago, Latin America accounted for 8% of the world’s GDP, and today we are still in that same place. Let us take the leap to 10%, I believe we can do it and I am very excited about that,” the statesman said.
On the other hand, the top official talked about the goals set by his administration, as well as measures taken during their first 100 days in office.
“We will boost an internal credit revolution that is going to change Peru. Being realistic, it is going to take us about 10 years, and I am confident the next administration will take over the task,” he added.
The event was also attended by Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, former Chilean President Sebastian Piñera and former Foreign Minister Jose Miguel Insulza.
(END) NDP/JCC/CCR/DHT/RMB
Published: 11/30/2016