Newsletter of the Peruvian Embassy in the UK 

No.7, November - December 2008

Dear readers,

We are delighted to present the seventh and last issue of 2008. It coincides with the falling leaves of Autumn and the effects of the financial turmoil on the world economy. With regard to this important subject, we include a special report prepared by our Trade and Investment Office on the economic prospects for Peru for the following years.

We have also included some information on the 2008 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum Summit (APEC 2008) that Peru hosts in November. This meeting will gather 21 leaders of the strongest economies of the Asia-Pacific region.

On the cultural agenda you will find some ‘must-go’ events for the next few weeks: Culture Clash, exhibition with a group of Peruvian plastic artists, the last dates of Juan Diego Florez in Covent Garden and the presentation of the award winning short film ‘Ela’ by Silvana Aguirre at the Embassy are the highlights. 

Finally, we would like to thank those who have sent greetings and comments during this year; we always welcome your feedback. We would like to continue being that space that allows you to keep updated with the latest information about the projection of Peru in the United Kingdom and on the relationship between both countries.

Thank you for being with us. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

London, November 2008

UBS: Peru is Latin America's least exposed economy to financial crisis

A report published recently by UBS bank's research department identifies Peru as the country with the least financial risk in Latin America and the third highest level of secured external finance (solvency).

Peru's economy expanded 9.9% in the year to September, driven by strong internal demand growth (12.7%), the continuing expansion of key sectors such as construction and non-primary manufacturing, and by significant inward investment flows. Despite the turmoil of the credit crunch, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected Peru's growth in 2008 at 9.2% and in 2009 at a sturdy 7%. Construction, hydrocarbon exploitation and non-primary manufacturing are expected to be the main contributors to growth in 2009.

Peruvian artist Fernando Caceres restores large frescos for the new Museum of Bristol

As part of the team of conservators at Bristol Museum, Fernando Caceres is working on the restoration of three frescos, which dated back to the start of the 18th Century and have not been cleaned for almost 300 years.

To mark 20 years of investigation and conservation in situ of their native orchid species, the hotel Inkaterra Machu Picchu launched the book 'Orchids in INKATERRA Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel', which includes an inventory of 372 species of orchids from 80 genera, part of Inkaterra’s conservation programme and new varieties found in the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary. The publication also features photographs of 178 native species and paintings by Angela Mirro.

Folklore, crafts and fair trade event, where you will enjoy live music and dances from the heart of the Peruvian Andes and performances of Afro-Peruvian dances. Delicious Peruvian food and drinks will be also offered. 

Admission: Adults £5.00

Children (over 5) £2.50

Arequipa, Chiclayo, Cusco, Iquitos, Lima, Tacna, Trujillo and Piura

Hailed as one of the largest civil-engineering projects in Peruvian history, the TransOceanica will give access to the South American hinterland and link Peru and Brazil. But environmentalists fear that it will open Amazon resources to voracious Asian markets.

Canning House, 2 Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8PJ

As part of the activities of the APEC Summit 2008, on 20 November an 'Invest in Peru Forum' will take place at the National Museum in Lima.

Museo de la Nacion, Lima

This international event will offer opportunities for both local and international companies to do business in different sectors.

Jockey Plaza Convention Centre, Lima 

After a successful exhibition in April, Juan Bautista will show his work for the second time  at the gallery Spice Art Studios in Southampton.

Spice Art Studios, 16 Manor Farm Road, Bitterne Park, Southampton, Hampshire, SO18 1NP 

Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday 10.00am to 6.00pm 

6th to 30th November: 'Culture Clash' exhibition

With the participation of Peruvian artists Gabriel Acevedo, Ximena Garrido-Lecca, Fernando Gutierrez, Esteban Igartua and Marisol Malatesta alongside some other international artists.  

Working Rooms, Top floor, 242-248 Kingsland Road, London, E8 4DG 

Monday 10th November: 'Capture the art of concrete' photograph exhibition with Peruvian architect Rafael Contreras

The photograph that gave Peruvian architect Rafael Contreras the second place in the competition 'Capture the art of concrete' will be shown in an exhibition alongside other participant images. 

The Concrete Bar, The Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre 

Opening times: Sunday - Monday 10.00am to 6.00pm; Tuesday - Thursday 10.00am to 11.0pm; Friday - Saturday 10.00am to 1.00am 

 11th November: last day of 'Matilde di Shabran' by Rossini with Juan Diego Florez

The Peruvian tenor will continue this month in Covent Garden with his performance of Corradino, the role he played for his official operatic debut in 1996. 

Royal Opera House, Covent Garden 

13th to 21st November: 'Orquideas Interoceanicas' photograph exhibition by Quintin Lake

British photographer Quintin Lake's exhibition will feature a selection of the 98 orchid species recorded in flower while he travelled with an Oxford University expedition along two sections of the Interoceanic highway. 

Canning House, 2 Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8PJ 

Peruvian director Silvana Aguirre will present her last short film 'Ela' (12 min), which has been awarded with several prizes and recognitions in film festivals around the world. This presentation will be followed by the screening of 'Destiny has no favourite' (87 min), film by Alvaro Velarde.

Free entrance 

Peruvian Embassy, 52 Sloane Street, London, SW1X 9SP 

Renowned scholars will lecture about the prehistoric occupation of north highlands of Ancash, Peru; the history of maize in South America; agriculture and adaptations to climate changes in the Central Andes; etc.

Institute of Archaeology UCL, 34 Gordon Square, London, WC1H 0PY 

Enquiries: Bill Sillar (b.sillar@ucl.ac.uk) 

10th to 13th November: 'World Travel Market 2008' 

Four-day travel industry event that brings together buyers and sellers from all over the world to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business. PromPeru, the Peruvian Tourism Board, will be present as usual with a stand where tour operators from Peru will offer a variety of tailor-made packages and promotions.

Canning House Essay Competition 2009

Cope Prize 2008

Real estate, transport, ports, airports, communications, sanitation and agriculture. 

Mr Ricardo Gordillo Uribe, Director of the Company Tinku SAC, situated in the North of Peru, in the Bay of Sechura, Department of Piura, is searching for potential foreign investors interested in participating in the integrated development of Peruvian scallops shells (Agropecten Purpuratus) in a concession of 650.38 ha. The purpose of this investment is the export of this product; with a significant rate of return on investment.  

New Investment Project Teasers

Concession of Road Network Nº 4, Lima Electric Train, Paita Port Terminal, Pisco Port Terminal, Rendering of Public Telecommunications Services.

October 14th: Mario Vargas Llosa delivered a lecture about literature and history in Latin American

The renowned Peruvian writer spoke on 'Literatura e historia en América Latina' at King's College London for an audience of nearly 400 people. 

October 2nd: Peruvian charity received donation from the Department of Culture, Media and Sports

The Peruvian Orphan Children's Fund received a donation from the Public Engagement and Recognition Unit (PERU) of the Department of Culture, Media and Sports after its participation in an activity within the organization. 

The terrain in Apurimac is steep, formed by narrow, deep valleys with impressive abysses, cold plateaus, and high-mountain peaks. The Apurimac River Canyon that separates the department of Cusco from the department of Apurimac is the most extraordinary sight.