In the economic dimension, Peru currently offers an extraordinary environment for doing business due to its high levels of sustained economic growth, macroeconomic stability and its enormous growth potential in trade (extracting and manufacturing industries) and investment opportunities. This impressive progress of the Peruvian economy has been recognized by the international business community with the investment grade assigned by important risk-rating agencies such as Standard & Poors and Fitch Ratings and the invitation to participate in the investment Committee of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). All of this place Peru as one of the countries with the highest perspective in the Region for developing successful business and investments opportunities. 

Within this scenario the Netherlands constitutes an important partner for Peru. It has become the fourth main investor and the fourth largest market for Peruvian exports within the European Union. 

Regarding culture and tourism, Peru is undoubtedly a privileged destination because of its extraordinary historical and archaeological wealth, a unique biodiversity, its incomparable cuisine, varied tourist infrastructure in constant growth and the warmth of the Peruvian people. This great natural, cultural and human legacy promises visitors an exciting experience.  

Within the amazing landscapes and archaeological wealth in Peru, one of the most important and extraordinary legacies of the ancient Peruvian is the well known and enigmatic complex of MACHU PICCHU in Cusco, which was chosen as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Moreover, it is worth to highlight the recently discovered Ceremonial Center of Sechín Bajo (6000 years old) and the Sacred City of Caral (5000 years old) the oldest civilization in the Americas. 

Peruvian gastronomy deserves particular attention. Peruvian cuisine is a rising star in the demanding international gourmet world thanks to the most varied culinary traditions of all our regions constantly reinterpreted by a brilliant generation of Peruvian Chefs, who offer you unique flavours, dishes and drinks such as Cebiche or the astonishing Pisco Sour. For all of these reasons, Lima (capital of Peru) has been declared, in the Fourth International Summit of Gastronomy “Madrid Fusion 2006”, the gastronomic capital of Latin America and currently hosts and offers to the world, each September, the International Gastronomic Fair “MISTURA”.   

For all of these reasons I am very pleased to invite all of you to visit Peru, a strong and growing country for doing business and investments, as well as a magical and a privileged destination that combines tradition and modernity, suitable for the most demanding five-star visitors and for the most tireless backpackers. We warmly welcome all of you to strengthen and deepen the economic and commercial relationship between Peru and the Netherlands and also to enjoy an unforgettable adventure.