Arabia Saudita: perspectivas y oportunidades potenciales para el Perú

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Ambassador Carlos Zapata López discusses the growing opportunities for Peru in fostering stronger relations with Saudi Arabia. He highlights the importance of trade, investment, and mutual cooperation, particularly in the agricultural sector, with products like blueberries, avocados, and coffee gaining popularity. The ambassador also talks about the potential for collaboration in mining, desalination, and tourism. Additionally, he touches on the challenges and prospects of enhancing connectivity, while underscoring Saudi Arabia's significant investment funds and its potential for growth in both countries. The dialogue explores various opportunities for Peru in the Gulf region and beyond.

Takeaways

• 😀 The ambassador, Carlos Zapata López, discusses the growing relationship between Peru and Saudi Arabia, which started in the 1980s. Peru established an embassy in Saudi Arabia in 2012.
• 😀 Key focus areas for strengthening ties include trade, investment, and the establishment of direct connectivity for the export of Peruvian products.
• 😀 A major challenge is the indirect arrival of Peruvian products to Saudi Arabia via third countries, including Spain and France. Direct flights are being considered to improve this situation.
• 😀 Peruvian products like blueberries, avocados, grapes, asparagus, and coffee are increasingly popular in Saudi Arabia, but they often arrive through intermediaries.
• 😀 The Gulf region, with a market worth $55 billion for food and packaged products, is seen as a key area for Peru to strengthen its exports.
• 😀 Saudi Arabia imports more than 80% of its food, creating a significant opportunity for Peruvian food exports, especially considering the high purchasing power of the population.
• 😀 Peru has signed agreements with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which could open the door to future trade negotiations and cooperation in various sectors.
• 😀 In addition to food exports, Saudi Arabia has a sovereign investment fund that could be a source of future investments for Peru, particularly in infrastructure and agriculture.
• 😀 Saudi Arabia is interested in Peru's experience in the agricultural sector, especially in desert reclamation and green agricultural practices.
• 😀 Tourism between Peru and Saudi Arabia is growing, with Saudi tourists traveling to Peru mainly for its gastronomy, and Peruvians showing growing interest in visiting Saudi Arabia, particularly for religious and luxury tourism.
• 😀 Despite the political tensions in the Middle East, the ambassador highlights that Peru continues to advocate for human rights and is involved in international peace efforts, with a focus on humanitarian issues.

Q & A

What is the main objective of the conversation between Gian Marco Delgado and Ambassador Carlos Zapata López?

The main objective is to discuss the potential opportunities and perspectives for strengthening bilateral relations between Peru and Saudi Arabia, focusing on trade, investments, and cooperation in various sectors.

How did the relationship between Peru and Saudi Arabia begin?

The relationship between Peru and Saudi Arabia began in the 1980s, and the Peruvian embassy in Riyadh was opened in 2012, marking the official establishment of diplomatic relations.

What are the key areas being developed between Peru and Saudi Arabia?

The key areas being developed are trade and investment, with a particular focus on agriculture and mining. Both countries are also working on a cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening ties across several sectors.

Why is connectivity an important issue in trade between Peru and Saudi Arabia?

Connectivity is critical because many Peruvian products reach Saudi Arabia through third-party countries, such as Spain and France. Establishing direct air links is seen as a vital step to enhance the flow of goods between the two countries.

What is the importance of the Saudi Arabian market for Peruvian exports?

The Saudi Arabian market is significant due to its large size and high purchasing power, especially in food products. The demand for Peruvian agricultural goods, like berries, avocados, and grapes, is growing, making it a promising market for Peruvian exports.

What challenges does Peru face in accessing the Saudi Arabian market directly?

The main challenge is the lack of direct routes for Peruvian goods to reach Saudi Arabia, leading to products passing through third markets. However, agreements for direct air services with other Gulf countries like the UAE and Qatar are expected to improve this situation.

Are there any existing free trade agreements between Peru and Saudi Arabia?

No, there are no free trade agreements between Peru and Saudi Arabia or the Gulf countries. However, Peru is working on a memorandum of understanding with the Gulf Cooperation Council, which could eventually lead to agreements benefiting trade and investment across all six Gulf countries.

What are the key contributions Saudi Arabia can make to Peru in terms of investment?

Saudi Arabia, through its sovereign wealth funds, has significant investment capabilities. The country is investing in various sectors globally, including food security and infrastructure, and could offer substantial opportunities for Peruvian projects in these areas.

What is the status of tourism between Peru and Saudi Arabia?

Tourism between Peru and Saudi Arabia is growing, albeit slowly. While there is not yet significant Saudi tourism to Peru, a small but increasing number of Saudi tourists are visiting. In contrast, Peruvians mostly travel to Dubai, with limited movement to Saudi Arabia.

How is Peruvian culture being promoted in Saudi Arabia?

Peruvian culture is being promoted in Saudi Arabia through events such as cultural-commercial exhibitions and the introduction of Peruvian products like alpaca wool. Peruvian food is also gaining recognition, with a few Peruvian restaurants opening in Riyadh and Jeddah.