On the special occasion of the Bicentennial of the independence of Peru, the 'Seoul City' magazine had an exclusive interview with H.E Daul Matute Mejia. Peruvian Ambassador to Korea for Peru-Korea economic and cultural ties in the years to come.

Q. Please tell us the significance of the bicentennial of your Independence Day, July 28th for our readers.  

On July 28th, 2021, Perú will commemorate two hundred years of Independence. This is a milestone in our history that marks two centuries of existence as a Republic. The Government and the people of Peru are expecting with great eagerness this commemoration which is an opportunity to go out into the world, hand in hand with Peruvians living abroad, to commemorate all the good things about Peru and its people, to reflect on what we need to do and to imagine the future. The Bicentennial is also a time to reflect on what remains to be done in order to build a better society in Peru.  
To achieve this ambitious goal, it has been designed a calendar of activities in Peru from all the spaces of the Government, Civil Society, Academia, Universities, Local Governments and general public. Likewise, all the diplomatic Missions in the world has come together to prepared different commemorative events.  
In Korea, The Embassy of Peru is preparing and ambitious calendar of activities that will show to the Korean citizens, the best of our culture. We had already started with an exposition in Songdo-Incheon, in Chadwick International School, called “Natural Treasures of Peru”. Then, we continued with an exposition of Peruvian Master Painter, Fernando de Szyszlo, that will take place in the Main Lobby of KEB Hana Bank, in the center of Seoul. Also, we have an exposition of Machu Pichu, the seventh wonder of the world, in the Seoul Hall of Urbanism and Architecture.  
At the end of July, in the main day, we will have an artistic performance, depending of the level of control of the pandemic, we expect at least 100 persons to come to enjoy the best of Peruvian art in Korea. Finally, in the second semester, we will prepare a gastronomic festival in one of the main Hotels in Seoul.  
This presential activities Will be followed by different online activities, seminars, conferences, and so on. ON the other hand, we have a very important calendar of economic activities, promoting Peru as an opportunity for Korean’s entrepreneurs and companies.

Q. Please introduce prevailing Peruvian industries and products. 

Before answer, I would like to remark that Korea is the third-largest trading partner of Peru. Trade between the two countries reached US$2.95 billion last year. Peru's exports have been increased continuously since 2015; reaching the amount of $2.343 billion in 2020, because of the rising demand for raw materials, such as cooper, zinc, lead and also liquefied natural gas, crude oil and silver. As you can see, our main exports to Korea are mining products. 
Mining and Mineral Refining - Oil Extraction and Refining - Gas Extraction and Liquefaction - Fishing and Fish Processing -  
Nevertheless, it is important to mention the Peruvian nontraditional products that are available in the Korean market, such as banana, grape, mango and more recently the Hass avocado which entered past year. Likewise, other products as the super foods that includes the Brazil nuts, quinoa, noni, cacao nibs, maca, and so on, will develop a stronger partnership. This kind of products are really popular among the Koreans because of its healthy characteristics and its delicious flavor. It is important to mention that our Peruvian superfoods can be used in the production of makeup and anti-aging creams, that is a well-recognized business sector in Korea. 
Additionally, it is important to note that marine products such as shrimps and squid have a large acceptation by the Korean population, who can enjoy the best of the Peruvian sea, one of the richest in the world. 
In relation to other products, Peru stands out in Cement, Textiles, Beer and Soft Drinks, Rubber, Glass, Machinery, Chemical Products and Furniture

Q. Please let us know what industrial sectors would be most attractive to potential Korean investors to Peru and also introduce Peruvian investment environments and special favors to foreign investors.  

The Peruvian economy has made significant progress in its economic performance in recent years, including 20 years of consecutive growth, at rates higher than the Latin America region average. Just to mention few macroeconomic results, we have dynamic rates of GDP growth and low inflation and debt, while maintaining, at the same time, stable exchange rates. According to the latest World Bank reports on growth in the region for the year 2021, Peru would be in first place with a projected growth of 9.9% and an average of 7.3% in the next 3 years. 
In addition, Peru has a strong framework for foreign investment that includes a Non-discriminatory treatment for foreign investors, who receive the same treatment as local investors. In addition, this framework free movement of capital, anti-trust framework and promotion of competition, guarantees to Private Property, freedom to access internal and external credit, and so on.  
Furthermore, Peru has signed and currently has in force Agreements for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investment and Trade Agreements of further scope that includes investment chapters that underpin our liberalization policy. In this regard, Peru and Korea have a Free Trade Agreement and an agreement to avoid double taxation.  
Outside the field of engineering and construction, Peru has great potential in various areas. In principle, irrigation, agriculture and land improvement projects. Additionally, there is capacity in the area of ​​telecommunications, provision of water and sewage and an industrial improvement typical of a country that looks to the future.

Q. Please introduce outstanding Korean companies' activities in Peru. 

Regarding the bilateral sphere between Korea and Peru, the relationship is in an excellent state, as evidenced by the latest participation of Korean companies in infrastructure projects. An example of this is that the Korean consortium led by the Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) won the tender for the Chinchero Airport in Cusco. Project that has the fundamental participation of Hyundai E&C in the phase of land removal and flattening, which was awarded for USD 138 million.  
Chincheros is one of the most iconic infrastructure projects in Peru. It will become the new gate to the wonderful land of Cusco, Capital of the Inca Empire and all its marvelous turistical places, like Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman, Sacred Valley of the Incas.  
The construction of the airport will help Peru more efficiently handle the entry of tourists to Machu Picchu, which from the beginning of 2000 until the pre-pandemic time had increased from 500,000 to 4 million visitors per year. Likewise, the Korean participation in the construction of smart cities in Cusco and Trujillo is really important because Peru will continue working to close gaps in infrastructure and generate the development of its citizens within the framework of our celebration of 200 years of independent life. 
Additionally, we have Korean vehicle sales companies such as Hyundai, Kia, technology and telecommunications companies such as LG and Samsung, as well as various companies such as Dohwa Engineering, Hyundai Engineering & Construction and SK Innovation. 
I believe that the Peruvian economic ecosystem presents a great attraction for Korean companies, which tend to stand out for their seriousness, efficiency and a competitive price for our market. 

Q. Please introduce Peruvian tourists’ attractions for Korean tourists abroad. 

The number of Korean visitors to Peru during the year 2018 was 32,133. The highest number of Korean tourists to Peru which we expect to recover by 2026.  
Most Tourists who visit Peru from the Asian region come from China, Japan and Korea. The recent facilities to visit Peru and the increase in the flight connections in these countries have increased tourist arrivals. For Peru, Korea is a priority country to develop tourism promotion activities, in that sense, although currently it is required to apply for a visa to make tourism trips, the quarantine exemption for tourists and the opening of wonders such as Machu Picchu, Kuélap and others, we hope that 2021 will be a year with more visitors than 2020. 
The Embassy of Peru and the Commercial Office participate in the most important international fairs in Korea. Just to mention two of them, we have participated in the “Hana Tours Fair” in 2019 and “SITIF” recently, during the last years, we expect to participate this year for reactivate our tourism industry.  
I would like to recommend taking into account that Peru have 3 main regions (coast, Andes and jungle), each of the regions has its own weather seasons. This is really important because of the different landscapes, activities and sports that you will find in each region. It also applies to the food. Each region has a delicious food that is the result of the diversity of the country and the presence of migrants from around the world.  
Another tip for Korean visitors to Peru is related to Cuzco and Machu Picchu. One of the most common occurrences in highlands is altitude sickness. I highly recommend to give yourself at least 12 hours for acclimatization, and to avoid smoking and alcohol, as well as stimulants like coffee or energy drinks. If this is not enough, you can take pills for “soroche”.  
Finally, the most important thing to bring along on your trip is a positive attitude to discover a wonderful country with a mix of cultures and diversity.