Raúl Diez Canseco: Ecuador should focus not only on producing for the local market, but for the world

The former vice president of the Republic of Peru Raúl Diez Canseco arrived at the Ecuador Open for Business as part of the delegation from that country that seeks to conduct business in the country. In your particular case, you are interested in the knowledge industry and teacher training.

However, he also thinks about the investment initiative that Ecuador is carrying out with the international event and the possible plans of Peruvian entrepreneurs.

What is your perception of the Ecuador Open for Business event?

Extraordinary, having such a wide call, at this time within the pandemic, makes you see that people trust the country’s sanitary management. There is nothing to replace you face to face. Among the comments that I have heard from the people, the quality of ministers of this Government, young people, prepared, draws attention. Also that of the ministers’ operators, their advisers who are the ones who execute their guidelines.

What opportunities does Peru see in Ecuador for business and investment?

Ecuador is an attractive country for Peru. I think Peru did a good job several years ago in agribusiness. Peru in the 2000s exported $ 500 million in agro-industrial products, but now it is $ 7.5 billion. The idea that the Government has of expanding the exportable supply of agroindustrial products seems correct to us. For this, it is necessary to make adequate changes in the legislation, such as those made in Peru, and then a lot of investment can come from Peru to Ecuador. These actors are the ones who have filled the Peruvian sand with green and want to continue expanding. Another important factor is having greater trade agreements, which President Lasso has already announced, since he spoke of agreements with China, Russia. In other words, Ecuador must plan to produce not only for the local market, but for the world.

But what are the changes that must be made in terms of legislation?

In agriculture it is key, for example, to give an adequate income tax; changes in the labor issue, the draw back for exporters. The specific labor law is very important for a special treatment for labor in the field, since agriculture is cyclical. There is room for various projects, including private binational issues. For example, shrimp production, binational beach destinations.

In the case of you in particular, what is your business area?

I am a representative of the San Ignacio de Loyola Educational Corporation and our topic is the knowledge industry. The Corporation has a college, a university and works on teacher training. We have signed an agreement with the Ministry of Education of Ecuador to give this free training to teachers starting in January. I spoke with President Lasso and I have shared my opinion that to carry out the plans that the Government has, an evolution in the subject of knowledge is required. We are also interested in the innovation of the entire digital technology network. The digital age allows you to reach every corner of Ecuador with good teaching. We also intend to set up a school in Quito and another in Guayaquil, calling on Ecuadorian investors to motivate them in the knowledge industry. The only way to destroy poverty and distribute wealth is the just distribution of knowledge. (I)