Germany, at least from recent indications, has already taken off the blinders. Latam is an open door to incredible opportunities.
Almost four months ago, I had the pleasure of participating in the Lateinamerika Tag (LAT) 2022 (translation: Latin America Day) and moderating the forum "Innovative solutions - the future of mechanical engineering," which featured renowned executives from German companies developing innovative solutions for or inside the Latin American market.
The event was organized by the Lateinamerika Verein e.V. (LAV), an organization of which I have the honor of being the Commissioner for Peru. The LAT 2022 was held in Hamburg (Germany) and focused on analyzing, debating, and proposing how to improve the business relationship between Germany and Latin America, always considering obviously the economic aspects but not leaving aside social, environmental, and even political aspects.
Upon my return from the event, I wrote a first version of this article, in which I mentioned that I had returned to Peru loaded with expectations and challenges. Both countries, of which I have the honor of being a citizen, were facing a series of challenges and urgencies at that time that provided the perfect framework to develop a relationship that would be mutually beneficial.
Now, in February 2023, the situation in Peru is clearly chaotic. We have entered a self-destructive spiral without yet a solution in sight (which I referred to in my previous article). For its part, Germany has gradually awakened from its slumber and apparently understood the importance of strengthening its relationship with Latin America, a pending task in which China and other countries have gained a considerable advantage.
At the same time, forced by the war in Ukraine, Germany has accelerated its initiatives not to depend on Russian natural gas and is also strongly promoting the production of green hydrogen, a sustainable and truly powerful energy alternative to which everyone is beginning to pay attention.
This new relationship approach was also pointed out by recent visits by high-ranking representatives of the German government to Brazil, Argentina, and Chile to find alliances, among others, to take advantage of the huge lithium reserves in our region, as well as to reinforce existing cooperation with Brazil.
As you will realize, I have not mentioned Peru. And this is, to my great regret, entirely understandable. This should be the moment for our country, with a significant source of resources, to take advantage of what Germany can contribute in terms of turning these resources into high-value products, to the benefit of both countries.
Unfortunately, due to the protests and vandalism that repel investment, we must add Peru’s absence on the agenda of these cutting-edge topics (such as the transition to renewable energies, technological exchange, natural gas exports, etc.) and the lack of initiative to establish clear policies that promote innovation in our country - a topic on which I have widely commented.
The opportunities that such an alliance would open up are many. Peru has a huge amount of resources that require high expertise and advanced technological support to be developed sustainably, which Germany is perfectly prepared to give, but above all, to be transformed into the high-tech products that Germany so badly needs. In fact, I have openly expressed the need to consolidate the strategic presence of German companies in our country, not only to obtain the raw materials that Germany requires so much to maintain its supremacy as an exporter of high-tech goods but also to reduce its dependence on Russia and China. This latter, of course, to the extent that we emerge from the internal crisis we are experiencing at the moment.
Looking towards the future, an even safer long-term solution would be the establishment of German industry production centers in Peru to transform raw materials on-site and convert them into intermediate and even final products, such as copper cables and components, lithium batteries, vehicle parts and accessories, etc. (offshoring). This would not only mitigate Germany's risk of being highly dependent on third countries and/or producers but also generate an interesting demand for skilled labor, which would boost the development of local talent.
Following that line of thought, if the German industry were to install refineries in Peru of the technological and environmental level of Aurubis, the largest in Europe, it would save the freight of minerals exported to China, where many refineries are located today. Additionally, as a very positive side effect, a drastic reduction of the carbon footprint would be obtained. Producing in Peru would be much less expensive because our natural gas and electricity prices are far below those in Germany.
On the other hand, contrary to what many people might think, Latin America is not only a region of raw materials but also a constantly growing generator of high-tech innovations in different key sectors such as agriculture, health, finance, AI, etc.
There is another reality that is evident and worth highlighting: for Germany, Net Zero as a goal by 2050 is practically unattainable in the context of the energy crisis it is going through. Therefore, while the German government's insistence on only investing in alternative energy and green hydrogen projects is commendable, it does not seem very realistic and, in passing, leaves out multiple alternatives such as natural gas (which abounds in Latam) and also nuclear energy.
To conclude, I reiterate that it is essential to understand that an approach with Latam would be beneficial for everyone. The wealth of input from Latam would be matched by the high technical knowledge and cutting-edge German technology, generating an exchange of knowledge, as well as much-needed educational development, jobs, and greater tax revenue, which is very positive for Latam.
Germany, at least from recent indications, has already taken off the blinders. Latam is an open door to incredible opportunities. Now it is Peru's turn to catch and ride this wave, and I hope it does not let it pass by like many others before. My Peruvian/German heart would be grateful..., and I believe the world would be too.
This year, as Peru is the host site of APEC, and specifically at the CEO Summit, where nearly 1,500 businessmen from around the world ...
Read MoreAfter watching our national soccer team play on Friday, I think we finally have what it takes for the future and a chance to live up to the glory of t...
Read MoreDuring the last few weeks you have probably heard the word Camisea too many times. But one of the most important gas deposits in the American continen...
Read MoreWhy has the petrochemical industry, whatever that is in Peru, not taken off?
Read MoreWith regard to Piero Ghezzi's article in the newspaper El Comercio, I must point out that I agree with the proposals to promote the development of...
Read MoreReading the daily reports about the impact this phenomenon called El Niño Costero has today, I shiver at the amount of lost lives, homeless fam...
Read MoreI read the latest government reports about the consequences that the emergency caused by the El Niño Coastal Phenomenon leaves for us today
Read MoreArtificial Intelligence is one of the most disruptive technological advances in the history of humanity.
Read MoreIt requires a real commitment and true leadership, especially by the CEO's of the companies that participate in SAFEX, to work together in diverse...
Read MoreImplementing a culture where the client, both internal and external, is the center of the business, begins by identifying and understanding its essenc...
Read MoreWhen and who will be worried about promoting and improving the investment in investigation on development and innovation?
Read MoreThe truth is that we live in a society with a political elite that looks away with blind authorities or indifferent individuals that won’t pay a...
Read MoreWe need to take advantage of our creativity and wit, so praised and recognized as a Peruvian virtue throughout the world, to develop innovative soluti...
Read MoreOne of the main expectations that all entrepreneurs linked to the mining sector have in common is that the main mining projects should be made real
Read MoreIt’s true that other countries have a huge advantage over us, but it’s important to know why and not remain stunned or resigned to regrett...
Read MoreBut to achieve this, compromises with the empresarial and political class are required. And this is one of the hardest tasks of the actual management ...
Read MoreWith great pride, I can guarantee that this is the most modern plant in the world; 100% automatized and with the latest advances in green technology.
Read MoreInnovation is a part of our DNA as a company. We’re always alert about new opportunities to make ourselves more competitive.
Read MoreIf we want to grow as a society, we have to work to be less tolerant of the lack of mutual respect and illegality in all its forms.
Read MoreSome years ago, things like digitalization, virtual reality, artificial intelligence and intelligent machines sounded like a science fiction phenomeno...
Read MoreAn experienced manager, for example, can secure interesting additional income, without spending a lot of time or having to juggle mentally.
Read MoreIn my previous column, I mentioned that the frantic change in the times demands a new profile for those who seek to become a member of a business boar...
Read MorePromoting innovation requires participation from the State, generating public policies and a new and modern regulatory framework, as well as necessary...
Read MoreToday I’m going to set aside of the usual topics I talk about on my posts: innovations, operational excellence, etc. These days, personal market...
Read MoreApproximately a year ago, I decided to close a very important cycle in my life, leaving my assignments as a CEO at EXSA and steer the wheel forward ne...
Read MoreIt is inevitable to think how can this be possible…, especially because many of us think that, with the progress in the processing and analysis...
Read MoreOne more year, EXSA participated on the 44th edition of the Annual Conference of Explosives and Blasting Techniques ISEE (International Society of Exp...
Read MorePeter Diamandis wrote an article named “3 Dangerous ideas from Ray Kurzweil” based on an interview he made to his friend Ray Kurzweil, co-...
Read MoreJust a few days away from leaving Exsa, Karl Maslo, their CEO, shares his teachings over his 20 years in the explosives industry, and his ne...
Read MoreThis is why, this PDAC is not only the recovery of mining investment, but also sets the definitive entry into a new era in which innovations such as Q...
Read MoreSilicon Valley is not only expensive, it has fallen into the dreaded comfort zone. With the egos already to the maximum, some of their engineers show ...
Read MoreI want to share with this interesting interview i had with APTITUS Magazine, in which I talk about my experience as CEO of EXSA, and, among other thin...
Read More“La cantidad y calidad de espacios públicos que encontramos en las ciudades son un buen reflejo de la madurez y conciencia urbana que ha ...
Read MoreLast week I had the pleasure to participate, along with renowned business leaders, in the first two modules of the second International Certific...
Read MoreI would like to share my first article recently appeared in the magazine APTITUS, where I am commenting about the importance of maintaining motivation...
Read MoreI am grateful for my designation as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the state owned company Activos Mineros S.A.C.
Read MoreSuccess has consequences. A successful manager, with concrete and real results, becomes an asset desired by other companies (or selections in this cas...
Read MoreSoccer is a reflection of society. Europe understood it before South America, preparing long-term projects with a sustained work in youth, trained for...
Read MoreEsta premisa es válida no solo para el aparato estatal, sino también para organizaciones privadas: un CEO solo, sin el apoyo, el empuje ...
Read MoreEsta premisa es válida no solo para el aparato estatal, sino también para organizaciones privadas: un CEO solo, sin el apoyo, el empuje ...
Read MoreIt is important to have a simple and concise action plan, but endorsed and promoted from the spheres of the state.
Read MoreWe were not born leaders, but we forged ourselves and became that with a lot of effort, constant learning and a strong personal discipline.
Read MoreThat's what still makes us different from computers, our ability to dream and create beyond imaginable.
Read MoreFiori is a clear example that informality is not only unacceptable, but can also be deadly. That terminal should not exist, that bus should not have p...
Read MoreA brilliant Forbes article by Sallie L. Krawcheck, executive director and co-founder of Ellevest, reveals not only that meritocracy is a great fallacy...
Read MoreAPTiTUS y la consultora Aequales reconocieron a Violeta Orozco, country manager de Konecta, y a Alfonso de los Heros, CEO de Sodexo, por su ...
Read MoreEs momento de tomar decisiones con la vista en el futuro, no en las encuestas. Empecemos de una vez a sembrar para el mañana y no a dejar tierr...
Read MoreThis decision is not an easy one, it implies getting rid of something that has taken time to build up. That is why it is worth to ask “how do I ...
Read MoreLa Ley de Promoción Agraria (LPA) como todas las relacionadas al sector agrario, ha sido criticada y alabada por diferentes voces.
Read More¿no deberíamos usar la Big Data y la Inteligencia Artificial para establecer un sistema que se adapte a las po...
Read MoreUna de las cosas más interesantes que tiene el proceso creativo y de generación de innovaciones, es que se basa también en la obs...
Read MoreEl presidente Vizcarra, evidentemente, se ve superado por su temor a la desidia popular, a la crítica del pueblo al que quiere proteger, pero e...
Read MoreEs complicado mostrar positivismo en medio de una pandemia que le está costando la vida a decenas de miles de personas y que ha paralizado de m...
Read MoreLa pandemia que vivimos, ha dejado en el aire muchas interrogantes y pocas respuestas de cara el futuro. Sin embargo, hay una sola verdad ineludible: ...
Read MoreCon su carta, Chesky también da un golpe sobre la mesa. Una compañía que planifica de esta forma y con tanto detalle una situaci&...
Read MoreUn tema que generó debate en las últimas dos semanas fue el decreto relacionado con la reactivación del comercio electróni...
Read More¿Qué diferencia a los países exitosos de aquellos que no lo son? ¿Por qué nos cuesta tanto crecer como pais? &iques...
Read MoreLas empresas son entes cambiantes con realidades diferentes. Sin embargo, las crisis que he vivido, y logrado superar, me dejaron valiosas lecciones q...
Read MoreLa pandemia producida por el COVID-19 transformó no solo la vida social, sino que también revolucionó a velocidad luz la forma en...
Read MoreComparto este artículo sumamente oportuno de Carlos Gálvez Pinillos sobre cómo las normas y los procesos de fiscalización ...
Read MoreA estas alturas ya nadie tiene duda que después de veinte años de crecimiento ininterrumpido, reducción de la pobreza a un tercio...
Read MoreLa pandemia global causada por el COVID-19 ha provocado cambios que reconfigurarán por completo y para siempre nuestra visión del mundo ...
Read MoreLa pandemia global causada por el COVID-19 ha provocado cambios que reconfigurarán por completo y para siempre nuestra visión del mundo ...
Read MoreAnte los tiempos difíciles que vivimos, muchos líderes están convencidos que es necesario aplicar cambios a gran escala para recu...
Read MoreLiderar una organización es un rol sobre el cual se suponen muchas cosas. Sin embargo, cuando nos encomiendan esa labor, nos encontramos con un...
Read MoreNos pasamos la vida hablando de la importancia de la humildad y de la integridad en nuestros líderes pero en la práctica muchas veces no...
Read MoreNot even the commendable leadership of Ricardo Gareca can resolve decades of Peruvian football in crisis, just as pure economic growth is not capable ...
Read MoreWith a clear purpose, work becomes something else. Research and surveys have established that many employees value a clear purpose as much or mor...
Read MoreGermany, at least from recent indications, has already taken off the blinders. Latam is an open door to incredible opportunities.
Read MoreTranscendence as well as legacy, is often understood as something that we may not necessarily experience, but our children or even our grandchildren w...
Read MoreWe are responsible for what happens to our neighbors, as well as moderation in the impact and consumption of a shared planet that has begun to show th...
Read MoreI want to keep believing and I think that those who can do so should continue to trust that this country has a chance, however small, to achieve the g...
Read More