“US companies seek stable markets, transparency and democratic systems”

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In an interview with El Comercio, the ambassador stressed the importance of working together and underlined that the elections in the US will not alter her country’s commitment to democracy, human rights and the fight against corruption.

-In addition to the great polarization, the final stretch of the electoral campaign in the US is marked by voices calling for President Joe Biden to withdraw. How concerned are you about this, considering that he is not only a candidate, but the current president?

It’s not worrying at all because I see every day what this administration is working on under his leadership. It’s true that there is polarization, but not just in the United States, but around the world, and we’ve seen it in multiple elections. What this indicates is a real interest by citizens in the future of their country and an expectation that leaders will be responsive to their citizens. I have 100% confidence in President Biden and in everything this administration is doing to achieve its goals around the world.

-Biden is trying to prove that he is the right person to continue in office. Do you think he is in time…?

There is a law in the US that prohibits all ambassadors from participating in any partisan politics. I will keep my personal opinions out of these matters.

What challenges does the United States face in these elections?

I don’t think this election will be any different than any other. And the world can trust that the United States will remain true to its values ​​and to the work that we have been doing. I have been in the service of the American government for over 30 years and I can say that it doesn’t matter who is in the White House. What we do around the world will continue, which is to strengthen bilateral relations, defend human rights and democracy, fight corruption and try to promote security on the planet.

-One of the issues that dominates the campaign is immigration. Will there be any changes in this area with a new government?

The elections that should concern us the most in terms of migration are those in countries outside the United States, because what we have seen is that when governments do not allow their citizens to have opportunities for prosperity and security, they begin to move. And we have seen these unprecedented migration flows around the world, but especially in this region. This administration has tried to work on this issue on a regional scale with the Los Angeles Declaration, of which Peru is a part, and which tries to look at migration from a holistic point of view and to work together to expand legal avenues to help migrants integrate wherever they are and to guarantee a humane application of the law. I believe that there will be continuity in this regard.

-China is seeking to strengthen ties with Latin America; in Peru we see this with the port of Chancay. How does your country evaluate this rapprochement?

China is a world economic power and a very important trading partner, including for the United States. I think our main interest is that, as countries increase their trade with China and their investments, as in the case of the port of Chancay, they do so taking into account their national security and sovereignty, which I know are very important to the Peruvian Government.

It is important that anyone who invests in your country does not impede in any way your ability to make your own sovereign decisions and guarantee your own national security. This also applies to corruption. Anyone who invests and has a business relationship with Peru, including the United States, must always make very clear their rejection of corruption in all areas. Thus, Peru has the opportunity to work with China in a way that guarantees the prosperity, security and sovereignty of the Peruvian people.

-Do you think the United States should show more interest in the region?

The embassy in Lima is perhaps one of the 20 largest we have in the world, which indicates how interested the United States is in Peru, and has been for almost 200 years. The United States is extremely active in Peru and throughout the region, perhaps what we need to do better is talk and work more with the media to explain what the United States is doing.

American companies work in a variety of areas and also bring a lot of added value to the communities in which they do so. The FTA, which we celebrate the 15th anniversary of this year, has the highest social, economic and environmental labor standards. I think we have to take advantage of every opportunity, but also make sure that we are explaining to the Peruvian people and the rest of the region all the things that we are doing.

-How much does the series of political crises affect American investments in our country?

That’s a very good question because American companies are looking for stable markets. They are looking for transparency. They are looking for democratic systems that guarantee that they will be able to work. They are looking for the rule of law. All of that is very important. But I will say that when I was preparing to come to Peru, I met with many American companies and they are interested in investing here. We have to work together to make sure that they have a level playing field and the ability to invest in Peru. I understand what you’re asking, but I will tell you that American companies are still very interested in working here.

-The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has a budget of more than 60 million dollars each year in Peru and works with several NGOs. You have criticized the promotion of regulations to supervise the financing of these organizations. What worries you most?

It is perfectly understandable that any country wants to make sure that things are done legally and transparently. But as I said before, in the work that USAID does and in many of the public affairs we depend on our civil society partners to help us. Even the Peace Corps here works with different civil society groups. Conservation efforts are also done with civil society. For us, it is important that legislation supports the work of civil society in a way that makes sense for each of the countries, but also makes it clear that we all need each other to be successful.

-What areas of cooperation between Peru and the United States have the greatest potential?

Many. An American company is working on the port of Matarani. We are also working on bridging the digital divide to ensure that no one is left behind in this world of high-speed Internet. In the space field, we have just signed the Artemis agreements. Peru has just joined the Blue Dot Network initiative to ensure that infrastructure is built in a socially responsible way with the environment and with good labor practices. There are many opportunities. That is why I am excited to be here to see what more we can do with Peru.

-Joe Biden has not yet confirmed his presence at the APEC summit in November…

The last time you hosted APEC, President Barack Obama came. And although it is not the best time of the year due to the electoral context, I am very hopeful that President Biden will come. I know he wants to be here.

-Why do you think this meeting will be so important?

APEC is a very important forum for us to come together and study how we can make trade productive for our people, not just for our companies. Today more than ever we see a world that can divide very quickly. And what better way to confront that than by holding summits where our leaders come together and have the opportunity to meet face to face and have these conversations together. I know that Peru is going to do a magnificent job as host.