Predictably, the United States Senate approved the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Peru. The government celebrates and its main spokespersons emphasize the number of votes obtained for the approval of the regulation. They compare us with Chile and with the countries of Central America.
There were statements, joys, toasts, and even ministers questioned for poor administrative management appeared at President Alan García's press conference. Something must be gained with it, even if it is the "strikeout" on television.
Actually, ratification of the FTA is good for the country. New investments will come, there will be a variety of cheaper products, new jobs will be created and the quality of life will improve in many cases. However, from a social perspective, not everything will be rosy for many Peruvians. It is urgent that new development strategies be designed in the poorest areas of the country. In Mexico, for example, after the signing of the FTA between that nation with the United States and Canada, the Mexican south, specifically the state of Chiapas, remained as always, relegated and poorer. Everything was focused on the more developed parts of the country. In other words, the rich were richer and the poor poorer. Nothing happened. This experience should not be repeated in Peru.
If we take the latest foreign investments in the commerce sector as an example, we will notice that these are directed towards Lima, Arequipa and the entire north of Peru. This means that there is a pending agenda for the south and east of the country. Large supermarket chains, agro-industrial projects, department stores, financial entities, tourist circuits, hotel complexes, among other items, do not go south or east. The reasons? There are many, but insecurity and lack of infrastructure are the main causes.
Let us not allow the mistakes made by Mexico and Chile to also occur in Peru. It is urgent that the government, in coordination with the regions and municipalities, try to make what has been called the "FTA for the inside" a reality. Social inclusion should not only be a phrase in the living room, but a reality so that the benefits of the FTA with the United States also reach all sectors of our country. Still the population does not feel at least in the management, the results of «Sierra Exportadora».
The current administration now has the great challenge of making the dream of thousands of Peruvians come true, who for generations have been waiting for the desired social development. It is very likely that the government will not enjoy this achievement, but like former President Alejandro Toledo, who initiated the negotiations for the FTA with the United States, another head of state will give the good news, then we will remember President Alan García Pérez, as the forger of the new Peru.
Signed Nº 042
Lima, December 4, 2007
