Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I know that you are short of time and I appreciate this invitation very much.
Good afternoon, everyone. It is a pleasure for me to be here with members of Parliament. My government has authorized me to be here to answer your questions about Peru and the Pacific Alliance.
I would like to make a very short presentation regarding how is Peru right now. With this you will have the framework of my country.
The Peruvian economy continues showing high growth rates. The GDP growth rate in 2012 reached 6.3%, almost the highest in America and the highest in the world. A growth rate of 6.5% is forecast for 2013. Peru's economy had the highest GDP growth in the region over the last decade. During the last decade Peru has shown one of the lowest inflation rates in the world. Growth in the last 10 years has been based on a strong external position. The Central Bank of Peru has accumulated international reserves in the amount of $67 billion.
Investment was 26% of the GDP in 2012, and announced investment projects amount to $35 billion for 2012-13.
Exports have almost tripled during the period 2001 to 2011. In 2011 Peruvian exports accounted for almost $46.30 billion. Traditional exports were $35.84 billion, and non-traditional exports were $10.13 billion.
As a result poverty has decreased significantly. Steady growth has contributed to an important reduction in poverty during the last decade. In the last 10 years Peru has experienced the largest poverty reduction in the region, from 53% to 27%. Peru is currently considered a middle-income country, a status not achieved since the 1950s.
This is not a miracle of Santa Rosa de Lima. No. It is because in the last 20 years we have had the same policy in trade and investments. We are one of the most open economies in the world, supported by a full democracy, enforcement of law, and the work capacity of the people of Peru. This is not a miracle. It is about work, and work, and work in democracy.
In recent years the relationship between Peru and Canada has achieved a high level, mainly as a result of the entry into force of the bilateral free trade agreement of August 1, 2009. Currently the high-level dialogue between both countries is dynamic, and the bilateral agenda comprising a diversity of issues, including the development of social inclusion, the strengthening of economic ties, and the projection into third markets, particularly Asian markets.
From the hemispheric perspective, both countries share objectives such as governability and democratic stability, and economically and socially sustainable development. In this framework both countries are working toward achieving a strategic partnership.
I am not going to mention all the visits that we have had in the last years, but I would like to recall the presence of the General Governor in December last year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs in January—