U.S. Ambassador to Lima Brian A. Nichols noted the economic growth of Peru above the regional average, and said American investors from different sectors are interested in coming to the country.
“Significant interest is observed in every sector. The country still leads growth in the region; it is a difficult time for the global economy, but Peru still tops growth in the region,” he was quoted as saying by Andina news agency.
Countries in Latin America and the Caribbean will grow by an average of 0.5 in 2015, according to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (Eclac) latest projection, while Peru will expand by 3% this year, based on estimates by Minister of Economy and Finance Alonso Segura.
Ambassador Nichols also stressed the interesting force and potential of the agro-export sector, after paying a visit to an Ica-based agro-export company that ships tangerines, avocados and grapes to the United States.
“While in Piura, we visited a company that has been sending prawns and table grapes to the United States,” he added.
Visa exemption
On the other hand, Nichols commented on the U.S. visa exemption for Peruvians wishing to travel to the United States for tourism purposes. He said it will depend on the actions the Peruvian government takes on the matter.
“It depends on Peru, we are waiting for the introduction of the biometric passport and the signing of bilateral agreements on safety and fight against terrorism,” he added.
On the other hand, he said the United States is looking to sign a new agreement on education with Peru, as part of the support it provides to the sector through the English teachers training program and scholarships to students.
“Education is quite important; I hope I can sign a new agreement on education. I cannot say it will occur right now, but it will be quite important to the future,” he continued.
Nichols also emphasized the help provided by the United States, which includes training of Peruvian students under College Horizons, Fulbright, among other programs.
“We’ve got experts in English teaching at different universities across Peru, at Universidad de Piura, UTEC and others,” he pointed out.
(END) MDV/FHG/RMB/MVB
Published: 9/3/2015