Lima is my first stop. The city has something for everyone: archaeological sites, shiny casinos with well-dressed doormen, paragliding (yes, people jump in the central neighborhood of Miraflores during business hours!)…. I found out that although it doesn’t look like it, Lima is built on a desert. In fact, it is the world’s second-biggest desert city (the first is Cairo).
Peru is going through a very dynamic economic phase. The GDP has been healthy for the past three years and in 2011, it should have accumulated 48% growth since 2007. The country has free-trade agreements with the U.S., Canada, China, and other European and Asian countries – these act as a stimulus to the Peruvian economy and are transforming it from an importer into an exporter of raw materials (especially minerals) and agricultural products. The country does not have an industrial background but is developing light industry and software for export.
Optimism in communications
A more open and growing economy is creating a more optimistic environment among Peruvian communication agencies – altogether, there are 15 throughout the country. Peru’s market may be smaller than Brazil’s, but there are very skilled professionals with strategic vision comparable with other more developed markets worldwide.
Investments in clean energy
Peru is investing in clean energy sources and two wind-powered power stations are already being designed, in the La Libertad and Piura regions. Over the next few years, 12% of the country’s electricity supply will come from clean and renewable sources, like wind, solar, and biomass. There is an opportunity for Brazilian ethanol, despite the price barrier.
Visiting Huaca Pucllana
Between work commitments, I was able to visit Huaca Pucllana, an archaeological site in the heart of Lima. Pucllana is a large ceremonial center for a people called the Lima; it was built 1500 years ago. There are ongoing archaeological excavations on the site, which will take another 20 years to be completed.
More on the Latin American tour next week!
Signing off,
Marta Dourado