Peruvian economy shows encouraging signs of regional recovery.

In the first quarter of the year, the Peruvian economy showed encouraging signs of recovery, with a growth of 1.4% after four consecutive quarters of decline. This improvement was largely driven by the positive performance of 18 out of the country's 24 regions, which experienced a rebound in their economic activity. Factors such as lower social conflict, normalization of climatic conditions, and gradual recovery of sectors linked to investment contributed to this progress, although challenges remain that reveal the need to accelerate investments to restore the growth pace of past decades. The southern regions stood out as the main drivers of this growth, recording an average advance of 5.7% and contributing to nearly 70% of the national economic recovery. Moquegua (15.2%), Tacna (14.1%), and Puno (10.8%) were some of the regions highlighted for their strong performance, especially in primary sectors such as mining and hydrocarbons, which grew by 8.3%, and agriculture, which increased by 6.8%. In the construction sector, a significant growth of 21.1% was observed, driven by public investment. On the other hand, Lima and the central regions also contributed to the economic recovery, albeit to a lesser extent. Economic activity in Lima grew modestly by 0.4%, mainly driven by primary sectors. However, sectors such as construction (-3.4%) and manufacturing (-4.7%) still experienced significant declines. In the central regions, growth stood at 2.4%, with increased production of metals like molybdenum, gold, and silver. In contrast, the northern region of the country showed a negative performance, with a 2.1% contraction in economic activity. Piura was one of the most affected regions, with an 8.6% decline, mainly due to a sharp contraction in fishing and manufacturing industries. Reduced production focused on agro-export also influenced these results. The economic recovery also translated into increased dynamism in the labor market, especially in urban areas. Southern cities like Cusco, Moquegua, and Ayacucho recorded significant increases in urban employment, driven by lower social conflict and domestic demand. However, some cities like Cerro de Pasco, Tumbes, and Iquitos experienced reductions in the employed population, reflecting regional disparities in the labor market. As we move into the second quarter of the year, regional economies show signs of increased dynamism, especially in primary sectors such as agriculture and fishing, which were hit by climatic shocks in the previous year. Southern regions stand out for their increase in agricultural production, with historical records in crops like potatoes in Puno. In the north and central regions, the authorization of the first fishing season has boosted sector activity, with significantly higher anchovy landings than in the same period last year. To achieve sustained and equitable growth in all regions, it is essential to accelerate the execution of investments that leverage the productive potential of each area. Projects like Chavimochic III and Majes-Siguas II in the north and south of the country, respectively, must be prioritized to expand the agricultural frontier and stimulate economic growth. Likewise, the standstill in mining investments in regions like Cajamarca represents a challenge that must be overcome to drive regional development and reduce poverty. In summary, while the Peruvian economy shows signs of recovery, regional disparities persist that require coordinated action focused on accelerating investments to boost growth across the country. The consolidation of this recovery process is crucial to ensure sustainable development that benefits all regions and sectors of the Peruvian economy.