Industry and Retail

A number of new free trade agreements – including with the US, Canada and Singapore – and a shift of focus toward value-added production have boosted the industrial sector. The government is now concentrating on growing the export activity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up more than 99% of Peruvian companies. The textile business continues to thrive, with large quantities of finished fabrics being shipped abroad. Peru is keen to grow in petrochemicals as well, and has hopes of establishing the first petrochemicals production centre in Pacific South America. Meanwhile, retailers are looking outside of Lima for growth opportunities as the sector continues to expand. This section includes an interview with Pedro Olaechea, President, National Society of Industry.