SANTIAGO: Along with Brazil, Peru and Colombia are considered the most attractive markets for foreign investment in the South American region, due to their strong estimated growth in the next 10 years.
Peru is expected to grow by an estimated 8.4 percent this year, one of the highest rates in the world, and 6.5 percent in 2011.
Peru is one the main global producers of silver, copper and zinc, at a time of high metal prices, and is also experiencing a construction boom, particularly in civil works.
Despite being one of the only countries in the region to experience growth during the economic crisis, Colombia started 2010 with negative growth expectations, mostly due to the closure of the border with Venezuela, their second largest trading partner.
Growth this year is expected to reach between 4.5 and 5 percent, helped by an increase in petroleum and coal production.
This growth has attracted a record US$10 billion in foreign investment in 2010.
Consumer confidence levels are also at record highs, and the internal demand is one of the pillars of the improved economy.
The new government is also implementing a number of economic reforms to reduce fiscal debt and lower risk ratings.
Source: El Mercurio
