INTERVIEW Peruvian ambassador highlights APEC's role, future plans

Peruvian Ambassador to Korea Paul Duclos speaks during a recent interview with The Korea Times at the Embassy of Peru in Seoul. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Peruvian Ambassador to Korea Paul Duclos has emphasized the significance of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum for both Peru and Korea, highlighting their roles as consecutive chairs of APEC in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

"For us, APEC is a very important forum. We have chaired it three times: in 2008, 2016 and now in 2024. It has become a tradition to do it every eight years," Duclos said during a recent interview with The Korea Times at the Embassy of Peru in Seoul. The ambassador noted that all three times, the main meetings were held in Lima, underscoring the city's importance as a venue for international diplomacy.

With Korea set to chair APEC in 2025, Duclos stressed the importance of collaboration and continuity between the two nations.

"It's particularly important because Korea will be the next chairman in 2025. We need to start talking about APEC now. I am in contact with senior APEC officials from Korea, and they are committed to increasing the number of topics addressed," he said.

Reflecting on the broader context of APEC, Duclos described it as a "laboratory of good ideas and practices," primarily focused on free trade and investment.

"APEC is unique because it brings together both developed and developing economies. This structure allows for a diverse range of perspectives and solutions," he said. "APEC tries not to be a political sphere but to focus on practical and concrete results in the economic area."

The ambassador said the priority is to continue striving toward a Free Trade Area in the Asia-Pacific despite the current geopolitical complexities. He emphasized Peru's commitment to inclusivity, especially for vulnerable populations and the shift towards a formal global economy, a priority he deemed essential for both Peru and Korea. This emphasis stems from the recognition that numerous entrepreneurs remain outside the formal economy, thereby missing out on the advantages of APEC's free trade and investment endeavors.

Sustainable growth and resilient development are also key areas, with a particular emphasis on green hydrogen and food security.

"We are working with the OECD and the Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre to implement a roadmap for green hydrogen in the Asia-Pacific. We also aim to promote measures to guarantee food security, addressing the significant food loss our countries face," he said.

Duclos highlighted the significance of the 35th anniversary of APEC this year and Peru's efforts to make APEC more accessible to the general population.

"We want to bring APEC closer to the people. This includes organizing more than 160 meetings throughout the year, with officials visiting universities and schools to inspire students and promote STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers," he said.

A view of burial vaults inside the General Cemetery of Lima Presbitero Maestro in Lima, Peru, May 29 / EPA-Yonhap

The ambassador explained that APEC has been instrumental in Peru's economic growth, helping the country negotiate and implement over 12 free trade agreements with APEC members, including the United States, China, Korea and Japan.

"APEC has been a good platform for us. Since we joined in 1998, our trade has grown by more than 12 percent per year," he said.

Looking ahead to Korea's chairmanship, Duclos mentioned plans for joint cultural events, including a K-pop concert, to symbolize the back-to-back leadership of Korea and Peru.

"We are working to organize a concert, possibly with the group TWICE, not only to entertain but also to promote APEC's goals and benefits," he said.

Discussing bilateral relations, Duclos acknowledged the strong ties between Peru and Korea, which celebrated 60 years of diplomatic relations last year.

"We had several high-level visits, including the vice minister of Foreign Affairs and organized forums on political, scientific, technological and economic topics," he said.

The ambassador expressed optimism about future collaborations within APEC, particularly in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and promoting sustainable development.

"Korea is a very important partner for us in APEC. They have been very supportive, especially in organizing seminars and training programs for SMEs. This is a priority for both our governments," Duclos said.