As relations between Peru and the United States continue to evolve, a new chapter is unfolding in Washington. H.E. Alfredo Ferrero Diez Canseco took up his post as Peru’s Ambassador in February 2024, bringing with him long experience in trade negotiations, public policy, and legal affairs. His arrival comes at a moment when both countries are paying closer attention to strategic sectors such as critical minerals, modern supply chains, and technological cooperation.
Ambassador Ferrero’s background is well known in policy circles. As Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, and later as one of the key negotiators of the Peru-United States Free Trade Agreement, he helped lay the groundwork for a new economic era between the two nations. That agreement reshaped bilateral commerce and strengthened confidence among investors, and it remains a reference point in discussions on trade and shared economic interests today.
Recent agreements on critical minerals show how the bilateral agenda is shifting. Instead of focusing only on traditional trade and cooperation, both governments are exploring broader areas including energy transition, digital innovation, infrastructure development, and educational partnerships. In Washington, the Ambassador has increased Peru’s engagement with policymakers, research institutions, and private-sector leaders, presenting Peru as a stable partner with long-term potential.
Peru’s footprint in the United States also includes a growing academic presence and a vibrant diaspora community. An estimated 1,000,000 to 1,100,000 residents of Peruvian origin live across the country, many of whom contribute to fields such as science, business, education, and cultural preservation. For the Ambassador, this community is not only an audience for consular services, but a link to shared opportunity and national advancement.
In the exchange that follows, Ambassador Ferrero offers his perspective on the priorities guiding his mission, the changing nature of U.S.–Peru relations, and the work required to turn diplomatic purpose into measurable progress.
You officially began your mission as Peru’s Ambassador to the United States in 2024. Looking ahead, what strategic priorities are central to your tenure, and how do you envision these advancing Peru’s engagement with key US policymakers and investors?
Since assuming my duties as Peru’s Ambassador to the United States in 2024, my mission has focused on broadening and modernizing the bilateral agenda. Traditionally centered on trade and cooperation, our relationship is now evolving towards strategic sectors such as critical minerals, technological innovation, infrastructure, education, and others. We are strengthening political dialogue with Congress, the Department of the State, and economic agencies to position Peru as a reliable democratic partner and a regional leader in sustainable growth. In this context, our Embassy has also been actively engaging with think tanks such as the CSIS, the Atlantic Council, and the Inter-American Dialogue, AS/COA, BCIU, among others, promoting Peru as a trusted actor in hemispheric resilience and energy transition.
Equally important is the defense and security dimension of our partnership. Both governments have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening hemispheric security, combating transnational organized crime, and fostering regional stability through sustained collaboration, confronting shared challenges across the Western Hemisphere. In this regard, Peru is expanding its partnership with the United States to enhance its capabilities and effectively address these threats. These joint efforts complement our broader diplomatic agenda, underscoring that prosperity and security are inseparable.
Looking ahead, a key priority is to connect diplomatic work with tangible economic outcomes. Through direct engagement with U.S. investors, we are working to attract long-term capital in mining, energy, and infrastructure. The Embassy has organized investment briefings and business forums with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Meridian International, the Council of the Americas, Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), among others, highlighting Peru’s macroeconomic stability and reform momentum. My vision is to consolidate a “Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Prosperity” that reinforces both countries’ shared interests in security, development, and democratic governance.
The Chancay Port project has attracted substantial international attention due to significant Chinese investment. How do you strategically balance collaboration with diverse global partners while ensuring Peru’s strategic autonomy and economic sovereignty?
Peru’s foreign policy is anchored in diversification and autonomy, principles that allow us to cooperate with a wide range of partners while safeguarding national interests. The Chancay Port project, which involves Chinese and Peruvian private participation, exemplifies Peru’s openness to global investment under a framework of clear rules, transparency, and sovereignty. The project remains under Peruvian jurisdiction and supervision through the Autoridad Portuaria Nacional, ensuring compliance with national standards. Our goal is to transform Peru into a logistics hub that enhances South America’s connectivity with the Pacific and the global economy, not to create dependency on any single partner. The Port of Chancay is part of Peru’s broader and diverse port network, which has attracted over $5.5 billion in international investments from 18 countries, underscoring Peru’s strategic role as a key maritime hub in the region.
At the same time, we are encouraging greater U.S. and other countries’ involvement in infrastructure and supply-chain projects to diversify investment. Through dialogue with the US government, we are advocating for greater U.S. participation in infrastructure modernization and port management, reinforcing Peru’s long-standing commitment to open competition and strategic autonomy, such as in the case of the two American ports (Matarany and Salaverry). The Embassy is also actively promoting a prioritized portfolio of investments to American companies and will seek for collaboration with important U.S. and international entities based in Washington D.C to explore opportunities in these sectors.
H.E. Alfredo Ferrero Diez Canseco, Ambassador of Peru to the United States, arrives with his Embassy team at the 2025 Winternational Showcase on December 9, where the Publisher of Diplomatic Watch welcomed them and joined the Ambassador for a photo.
The Peruvian stand offered a lively showcase of the country’s cultural heritage, featuring the llama, Peru’s national animal, as a central attraction at the Winternational Showcase.
Peru’s critical minerals sector is vital for the clean energy transition and technological manufacturing. What targeted policy or regulatory reforms do you believe would most effectively attract sustained US investment into this sector?
Peru is uniquely positioned to become a reliable supplier of critical minerals essential for the clean energy transition, including copper, lithium, zinc, and rare earth elements. We are one of the principal Copper exporters in the world. To attract sustained U.S. investment, we are advancing a policy framework based on regulatory predictability, environmental responsibility, and public private collaboration. Peru is working to implement the Peru-U.S. Memorandum of Understanding on Critical Minerals, signed in 2024, which will set a roadmap for cooperation with the U.S Government. These mechanisms can mobilize financing for exploration, refining, and downstream projects aligned with high environmental and social standards.
We also recognize that the energy transition demands a more agile and transparent regulatory system. To that end, the Government of Peru is reviewing processes to streamline mining permits, strengthen traceability mechanisms, and align domestic standards with international best practices on ESG compliance.
Given the political fluctuations Peru has experienced recently, what measures has your Embassy implemented to proactively reassure American businesses and sustain investor confidence over the long term?
Despite conjunctural political turbulence, Peru continues to demonstrate institutional strength and sound macroeconomic fundamentals. Our country is still growing at 3%, one of the highest in the region and we have the potential to grow between 6% and 8% in the coming years with political stability and sound macroeconomic conditions. The Embassy’s primary task has been to provide clarity, continuity, and confidence to the investor community. We maintain active coordination with the business organizations in Washington D.C, and major U.S. investors to convey consistent messages about policy stability and long-term opportunities. Our economic briefings and “Peru Investment Roundtables”, with the participation of high authorities from Peru, have showcased the continuity of key fiscal and trade policies, as well as Peru’s ongoing efforts to modernize regulatory frameworks and advance structural reforms.
We also understand that diplomacy today requires strategic communication. Through constant engagement with Congress and the private sector, we have ensured that Peru is viewed not through the lens of short-term politics, but as a resilient economy anchored in rule of law and open markets. Our Embassy has prioritized transparency, proactive media outreach, and engagement with research institutions to contextualize Peru’s situation. The message is clear: while governments may change, Peru’s commitment to democracy and economic openness remains steadfast, and the fundamentals that make our country an attractive destination for investment remain intact.
You have emphasized the importance of education and diaspora engagement. Could you elaborate on how academic collaborations and professional networks in the United States are shaping Peru’s socioeconomic development prospects for the next decade?
Education is one of the most strategic pillars of our bilateral agenda. The Embassy has strengthened ties with U.S. universities such as Georgetown, George Washington, American University, and the University of Maryland, promoting exchange programs, joint research, and scholarships. These collaborations aim to create a new generation of leaders equipped to contribute to Peru’s modernization and global competitiveness.
Equally important is the role of the Peruvian diaspora, which exceeds 1 million citizens in the United States. Through consular community outreach programs, we are connecting Peruvian professionals, entrepreneurs, and students with opportunities to contribute to national development. Our Embassy has also launched mentorship and networking events to link Peruvian talent in the U.S. with key sectors in Peru, including digital technology, education, and sustainable tourism. Education and diaspora engagement are not separate agendas, they are complementary tools to promote social mobility, innovation, and a sense of shared identity abroad.
Also, I would like to highlight that the sixteen Peruvian consulates across the United States play a vital role in strengthening the bonds between Peru and its diaspora. Through their daily work, they provide essential consular services, protect the rights of Peruvian citizens abroad, and promote cultural, educational, and economic initiatives that highlight Peru’s identity and values. Their close engagement with the Peruvian community fosters a sense of belonging and pride, while also serving as an effective bridge to enhance bilateral relations and promote a positive image of Peru throughout the United States.
Ambassador Alfredo Ferrero meets with Peru’s Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on December 5, 2025, to reaffirm cooperation on security, critical minerals, and trade. An earlier July exchange at the U.S. Independence Day celebration reflected warm bilateral ties, with discussions ranging from diplomacy to Peruvian cuisine and the dual nationality of Pope Leo XIV.
Migration issues remain a critical facet of US-Peru relations. What are the predominant concerns expressed by the Peruvian diaspora in the United States, and how is your embassy engaging with policymakers to address these challenges?
Migration remains a central element of our bilateral relationship. The main concerns of our community in the United States revolve around regularization, access to services, labor rights, and consular protection. In response, the Embassy and consulates have prioritized modernization and accessibility. We have implemented digital appointment systems, mobile consulates, and expanded legal and humanitarian assistance programs. Additionally, we coordinate with U.S. federal and local authorities to address cases of vulnerability, trafficking, and irregular migration, ensuring that Peruvians abroad receive timely protection.
Beyond protection, our engagement seeks to empower the Peruvian community. We are promoting initiatives in financial education, entrepreneurship, and cultural diplomacy to strengthen community cohesion. As an example, partnerships with diaspora organizations in New Jersey, Virginia, and Maryland have proven effective in connecting Peruvians with institutions that support business creation and vocational training.
The Peruvian community in the United States is recognized for its hard work, entrepreneurship, and determination to succeed, contributing positively to the U.S. economy while integrating into local society and preserving its cultural identity. This dual commitment strengthens the bonds between Peruvian Americans and, in turn, deepens the ties between Peru and the United States. Our broader vision is to ensure that every Peruvian abroad feels that their Embassy is both a bridge to the homeland and an advocate in the host country.
Peru’s tourism sector significantly influences its global image and economic landscape. From your perspective in Washington, which initiatives hold the greatest potential to boost high value US tourist arrivals, and what indicators will you monitor to gauge their success?
Tourism is a major pillar of Peru’s image and economic growth. From Washington, our Embassy works closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and PROMPERÚ and leading travel agencies to reposition Peru as a premium destination for experiential and sustainable tourism. Our campaigns now emphasize new routes beyond Machu Picchu, such as Cusco’s Sacred Valley, the Amazon, Arequipa, and the northern beaches, highlighting authenticity, biodiversity, and gastronomy. We are also encouraging stronger participation in trade fairs and promoting cultural diplomacy events that showcase Peru’s culinary and artistic heritage.
I would like to emphasize that Peruvian gastronomy has become one of the country’s most powerful forms of soft power, projecting a positive and dynamic image of Peru around the world. Through its rich diversity of ingredients, culinary traditions, and innovation, Peruvian cuisine not only promotes tourism and investment but also fosters dialogue, creativity, and pride in national identity. Gastronomy is the new ambassador of Peru worldwide.
To measure success, we are focusing on indicators such as visitor spending, regional dispersion, and repeat visits, rather than only volume. The goal is to attract tourists who stay longer, spend more, and engage with local communities. In parallel, cultural partnerships with museums and universities in the U.S. have strengthened Peru’s brand as a country of creativity, heritage, and innovation.
Reflecting on your extensive experience negotiating trade agreements, as detailed in your book “Historia de un desafío: a la conquista de EE.UU. y el mundo”, what key diplomatic and economic lessons continue to shape your approach to representing Peruvian interests in Washington today?
My experience negotiating the Peru–U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which I documented in my book “Historia de un desafío”, taught me the importance of technical preparation, patience, and credibility. The FTA with the United States, Peru’s first and most strategically significant of the 23 agreements we have signed, became a landmark instrument that proved mutually beneficial for both economies. It tripled bilateral commerce and ushered in a new era of trust, stability, and long-term economic planning.
This experience reinforced that diplomacy requires building bridges across differences, maintaining confidence even in moments of tension, and grounding all decisions in rigorous data. These principles continue to guide my work in Washington today: engaging all sides, presenting clear evidence, and connecting policy choices to tangible benefits for both nations. The lessons from those negotiations are now applied to emerging areas such as digital trade, supply-chain resilience, critical minerals, and private infrastructure investment.
Over the past sixteen years, the impact of the FTA has been measurable and profound. Bilateral trade has grown at an average annual rate of 6%, making the US Peru’s second-largest trading partner and the leading destination for our non-traditional exports. In 2024, U.S. exports to Peru reached USD 11.2 billion, while Peruvian exports to the United States totaled USD 9.3 billion, reflecting a highly complementary commercial relationship. Peruvian agricultural exports, particularly fruits (blueberries, mangoes, grapes,etc) and vegetables (Asparagus, onions, etc), have expanded at an impressive 12% per year, playing a key role in U.S. food security.
On the other hand, Peru imports fuels, lubricants, raw materials, and capital goods from the United States, while contributing to the strength of the U.S. manufacturing sector through purchases of pharmaceuticals, vehicles, machinery, and chemicals.
These results underscore that the FTA is more than a trade instrument: it is a pillar of a longstanding strategic partnership and reaffirms a broader political message: a strong, predictable, and mutually beneficial economic partnership between Peru and the United States is essential not only for shared prosperity, but also for advancing regional stability, resilient supply chains, and long term strategic cooperation.
Ultimately, diplomacy is about service and results. Representing Peru today means combining tradition with innovation, defending our national interests while adapting to global transformations. Whether in trade, energy, or education, our mission is to ensure that Peru’s voice is heard and respected as a serious, forward-looking country. My guiding principle since arriving in Washington has been to demonstrate that Peru is not merely a beneficiary of global trends, but an active contributor to regional stability, prosperity, and shared democratic values.
