The Republic of Peru celebrates its 200th anniversary of independence, and Fernando Quiros, ambassador to the Philippines, shared his delight with numerous projects and instances of cooperation between the two countries.

Peru and the Philippines have many similarities in terms of culture, religion and history, as both countries were under the Spanish empire for hundreds of years. Trade relations between the two countries can be traced back to the early trans-Pacific trade route (Galeón de Manila).This has helped build a strong relationship between our two countries. In more modern times, we still share the same ideas and embrace a similar history that allows us to relate with Peru’s triumph as an independent republic for 200 years.

Free and independent

On July 28, 1821, in Lima, “The City of Kings,” Gen. José de San Martin proclaimed the independence of Peru with these memorable words: “From this very moment Peru is free and independent, by the general will of the people and by the justice of their cause that God defends. Long live the country! Long live freedom! Long live independence!”

“A territory with a millenary history, Peru is considered one of the cradles of civilization,” Quiros says. Peru witnessed remarkable cultural developments. It was crowned in the 14th and 15th centuries by the impressive Inca Empire. Then, the country later became a Spanish viceroyalty for almost 300 years. This led to the year 1821. After a victorious independence war, the land and its people witnessed the birth of the Republic of Peru.

“Since then, Peruvians have been building a nation that aspires to be prosperous, fair, equitable, democratic and secure for its almost 33 million inhabitants,” Quiros adds.

“For the past four decades, Peru’s democracy has overcome many challenges while achieving significant social and economic targets for the sustainable development of the country. “At the same time, a stable legal framework has enabled its resilient and optimistic population to take advantage of the country’s favorable conditions as one of the most biodiverse territories in the world. Persistent work and continuous investment have allowed the expansion of all sectors of the economy so as to create opportunities for sustainable development for all.”

He adds, “I am most honored to be the ambassador at this special juncture because it gives me the opportunity to acknowledge the valuable contribution of this friendly country to the development of Peru in over 46 years of bilateral diplomatic relations.”

Existing regional integration mechanisms, such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum, the Pacific Alliance-Asean dialogue, and the Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation are some of the frameworks that facilitate further economic cooperation, trade and people-to-people exchange between both economies.

Numerous opportunities

The Peruvian and Philippine markets complement each other’s industries, with Peru providing agricultural and resource-based products to supply the growing Philippine manufacturing industries, while the Philippines can export electronic components, spare parts and equipment. Bilateral tourism, and academic and student exchanges have also been on the increase in recent years.

Working alongside Quiros is Dr. Francis Chua, honorary consul general of Peru in Manila, since 2006. Chua has facilitated official communications and enhancing relationships between authorities through the Embassy of Peru in Thailand. He is also assisting Peruvian nationals here with their consular and social cases and helps connect potential investment partners and importers.

Chua is one of the most prolific names in business. He’s been the chair emeritus of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry since 2011 and the special envoy for trade and investments since 2007. Following his legacy is his son Bryan, who now works as honorary consul of Peru here.

“As we gear up for a promising future, I trust that the opening of a new commercial office of Peru for Southeast Asia, based in Bangkok, will help to cement the numerous existing opportunities for bilateral business and investments with the Philippines,” Quiros says. —CONTRIBUTED INQ