Oscar Benavides: Roadmap of the Chamber to Boost Business Growth and Strengthen Trade Between Peru and Canada
Oscar Benavides, president of the Chamber of Commerce Canada Peru and partner of Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano Abogados, shares his vision on the challenges and opportunities to strengthen the commercial relationship between Canada and Peru, highlighting initiatives in education, networking, and sustainable business development.
1. Congratulations on your appointment. We know that you have been working for a long time to promote the Chamber. What motivates you to take on this new role as president?
Thank you very much. It is a privilege to be able to lead the Chamber, but it is also a challenge because those who preceded me left the standards high. Today, I can proudly say that the Chamber is one of the most recognized in the country, with clear objectives, a consolidated and first-class professional team, and a strong commitment to the development of the country. I am motivated to be part of that contribution.
2. As the president of the Chamber, a partner at one of the industry’s leading firms, and one of the most recognized mining lawyers in the region, what new developments can we expect from the Chamber?
Although the Chamber is recognized for its involvement in the mining industry, I would like to see it expand its impact to other areas without neglecting its leadership in this sector. A key focus will be to reduce the deficit that exists in Peru in terms of the supply of technicians and professionals, promoting access to quality education.
Today, we have a scholarship program for young people from the provinces who wish to study at UTEC, which we are looking to expand to other entities and complement with internship or job training programs in companies in Peru and Canada, with the support of our partners. We have already started discussions to carry them out.
Another novelty, if it can be called that, will be to offer greater benefits to our partners, free networking events, and mechanisms to increase business opportunities and expand their contact networks without incurring higher costs.
3. We know that in addition to being the president of the Chamber of Commerce Canada Peru, you have recently been appointed a member of the Board of Directors of The Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law. In what ways do you consider your role in the Foundation useful for your new role as president of our Chamber?
The Foundation is a North American non-profit organization that has been working for almost 75 years in the study and promotion of natural resources and energy law. It promotes the dissemination of knowledge and cooperation between professionals, academics, and students, operating as a network for the transmission of knowledge and expertise in mining, energy, environment, water, etc.
I believe that the Chamber can benefit from this experience, as well as from the contacts that an entity like that (and many others) can provide to the Chamber's partners. Let's not forget that generating and maintaining professional contacts and networks is essential for the growth of our partners' companies. We want to be a bridge that facilitates connection and learning opportunities for Peruvian and Canadian companies, generating more meeting points and collaborative networks.
4. What are the main challenges of doing business in Peru, and how can the Chamber contribute?
It seems that political ups and downs are a national sport. Few would deny that currently, there is a direct relationship (which is not positive) between our political instability and economic development. Not only do we see missed opportunities, but we are also faced with poor decisions made by some authorities, creating obstacles for business and promoting informality.
The Chamber, which brings together more than 340 formal companies, has the mission to promote economic exchange, freedom of enterprise, and sustainable development. We facilitate forums and give voice and space to those who advocate these principles. Therefore, in the events we organize, we strive to present successful experiences that can be replicated, formulate proposals to improve what is not working properly, and convey clear messages to the authorities about the needs of the private sector in Peru.
5. What do you think are the main benefits of belonging to the Chamber of Commerce Canada Peru?
The Chamber offers benefits that, when well used, can be very useful for companies seeking to expand their operations and strengthen business ties in Peru and Canada.
In addition to offering networking opportunities, which are highly valued and leveraged by our partners, the Chamber provides up-to-date information on markets, regulations, and business trends in Peru and Canada, and facilitates access to legal and business experts who can offer deeper insights into these areas.
We will also strengthen our offer in foreign trade, providing our partners with training in key areas such as international trade, mining, and education. Additionally, we will promote cultural and academic exchanges between Peru and Canada.
I do not want to end without saying that the team will continue working to identify and offer more benefits to its partners, maintaining an open-door policy for suggestions and, of course, criticism.