Challenges in Public Infrastructure: The Call for Collaboration in Peru

In a context where infrastructure stands as a fundamental pillar for the economic growth of Peru, the challenges in executing public projects have become a hot topic. During the forum "Perspectives 2025: evaluate, plan, and grow," organized by Diario Gestión, experts from the private and public sectors analyzed the difficulties the country faces in this area. Evans Avendaño, CEO of Airports of Peru (AdP), highlighted that the waiting times for the implementation of infrastructure projects are excessively long, reaching nearly ten years. Avendaño explained that, despite his company operating as a private concessionaire, all the projects they lead are considered public investment. This is because, being a self-financed concession, they are required to go through the National Public Investment System and Invierte.pe. "All you're doing is transferring those inefficiencies that the State has to the private sector," he emphasized, suggesting that this bureaucratic process not only slows down project execution but also hinders a more agile and effective approach to developing essential infrastructure. In his remarks, Avendaño stressed the lack of attention to regional airports, warning that none of their projects are included in the National Infrastructure Plan for Competitiveness. This omission, according to him, is alarming, as regional airports are critical for connecting various parts of the country and fostering local development. "The airport concession is for 17 years, and there is already a significant need to prioritize these projects," he asserted, urging a reevaluation of national infrastructure priorities. The forum also featured prominent panelists such as Leonie Roca, president of AFIN; Manuel Van Oordt, CEO of LATAM Airlines Peru; and Juan José Salmón, CEO of Lima Airport Partners, who shared their perspectives on how infrastructure can be a driver for economic growth. Roca underscored the importance of a comprehensive approach that considers not only physical infrastructure but also the regulations and legal framework that accompany these projects. The revitalization of the Perspectives event, which had been interrupted by the COVID-19 health crisis, marks a milestone in the discussion about Peru's economic future. With the participation of key figures such as Adrián Armas, central manager of Economic Studies at BCRP, and José Arista, Minister of Economy and Finance, the forum became a conducive space for dialogue and reflection on the policies that need to be implemented to overcome current obstacles. Raúl Pérez Reyes, Minister of Transport and Communications, also participated in the discussion, offering his perspective on the need to modernize the management approach to infrastructure in the country. These types of discussions are essential for identifying existing gaps and proposing effective solutions that contribute to a more competitive Peru. The current context raises questions about how the country can adapt and improve the efficiency of its public investment processes. The experience of companies like AdP underscores the urgency of reforming a system that, in its current form, is perceived as a burden to development. Bureaucracy and the lack of alignment between infrastructure plans and the country's needs are obstacles that policymakers must address. As evidenced in the forum, voices from the private sector are increasingly willing to collaborate with the government to transform the reality of infrastructure in Peru. This call to action is crucial, as developing a robust infrastructure network not only benefits businesses but also improves the quality of life for citizens and fosters a more dynamic economic environment. In conclusion, the path towards a prosperous and competitive future for Peru lies in the ability of all stakeholders involved in infrastructure to work together, overcoming current inefficiencies and prioritizing projects that truly impact the country's development. The discussions at the Perspectives 2025 forum not only highlighted the challenges but also opened the door to constructive dialogue that could lead to effective solutions for the future of Peruvian infrastructure.