Johnny Brignardello: Peru as a Strategic Bridge in APEC

In a recent interview, Johnny Brignardello, an insurance advisor, shared his perspective on Peru's success as host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum and its implications in the international arena. Brignardello highlighted the importance of the event, which brought together leaders from influential economies such as Xi Jinping and Joe Biden, emphasizing Peru's organizational and diplomatic capabilities. The advisor pointed out that the inauguration of the Chancay megaport, a large-scale project with an investment of over $2.2 billion, could redefine trade in the region. According to Brignardello, this modern port represents not only an economic transformation for Peru but also an opportunity to strengthen trade relations with its neighbors, especially Chile. The joint investment between Peru and China reflects a long-term commitment that could bring significant benefits. Brignardello also referred to the competition between the United States and China to strengthen ties with Peru, stressing that the Andean country has become a "coveted partner" on the international stage. In this context, the delivery of nine helicopters by the United States and plans to establish NASA bases in Peru are moves that indicate a renewed interest in bilateral cooperation. In his view, this is crucial for Peru to continue diversifying its relationships and strengthening its position in the hemisphere. Regarding the presence of world leaders, Brignardello considered that, despite the internal challenges Peru faces, its ability to attract figures like Xi Jinping and Joe Biden reflects a successful strategy of diplomacy and international projection. However, the advisor warned about the risks of increasing dependence on China. He emphasized the need for Peru to develop a balanced trade strategy that allows it to diversify its relationships and avoid becoming overly reliant on a single country. Finally, Brignardello positively assessed the meeting between President Dina Boluarte and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol. According to him, this is a clear indication of Peru's desire to expand its ties with other nations, positioning itself as a strategic bridge between Asia and South America. In his opinion, this strategy is not only key to Peru's economic development but could also consolidate its role in the global context moving forward.