LIMA, July 13, 2026 – In a move signaling a renewed emphasis on private-sector collaboration and the urgent acceleration of public works, the Association for the Promotion of National Infrastructure (AFIN) has officially announced the appointment of Juan Antonio Pacheco Romaní as the new President of its Board of Directors. The appointment, confirmed during the General Assembly of Associates held on July 10, positions a seasoned expert at the helm of the country’s most influential infrastructure advocacy group at a critical juncture for the Peruvian economy.
Pacheco Romaní, who previously served as the General Manager of AFIN, assumes the presidency with a mandate to bridge the widening gap in basic services across the nation. His vision centers on the firm belief that robust infrastructure is not merely a technical requirement but the fundamental engine for national competitiveness and the primary vehicle for improving the quality of life for millions of citizens.
The Profile of a New Leader: Bridging Public and Private Expertise
Juan Antonio Pacheco Romaní is a professional whose career trajectory uniquely equips him for the complexities of his new role. A lawyer by profession, Pacheco holds advanced degrees in Finance and Corporate Law, a combination that has proven vital in his over 20 years of experience traversing the corridors of both the public and private sectors.
A Career of Public Service and Private Insight
Pacheco’s resume reflects a deep understanding of the regulatory and operational hurdles that often plague infrastructure development in Peru. His tenure as Vice Minister of Communications at the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) provided him with an insider’s view of the bureaucratic intricacies of state-led projects.
Furthermore, his experience in executive leadership positions within major private sector firms has allowed him to understand the risks and capital requirements inherent in long-term infrastructure concessions. This dual perspective—having sat on both sides of the negotiating table—is widely viewed by industry analysts as a major asset for AFIN, particularly as the association seeks to mend the trust between private investors and state authorities.
Chronology: The Road to the Presidency
The appointment of Pacheco Romaní did not occur in a vacuum. It follows a period of intense deliberation within the AFIN Board of Directors regarding the future of infrastructure investment in the country.
- Mid-2025: Discussions commence within the AFIN board regarding the necessity of a leadership transition that prioritizes "execution over theory."
- January 2026: AFIN intensifies its dialogue with the central government regarding the implementation of the National Infrastructure Plan 2026-2031.
- June 2026: Preliminary meetings of the General Assembly begin to shortlist candidates with both technical prowess and strong institutional memory.
- July 10, 2026: The General Assembly of Associates formally votes to elect Juan Antonio Pacheco Romaní as the President of the Board of Directors.
- July 13, 2026: Formal announcement issued to the public, signaling the start of the new administration’s agenda.
The Strategic Agenda: Closing the Infrastructure Gap
In his inaugural remarks, Pacheco Romaní underscored that his presidency would be defined by a relentless drive toward Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). He argues that the Peruvian state cannot, and should not, attempt to close the country’s massive infrastructure gap alone.
Prioritizing the National Infrastructure Plan (2026-2031)
The cornerstone of Pacheco’s tenure will be the successful execution of the National Infrastructure Plan 2026-2031. However, he has made it clear that the plan must be a living document. He advocates for a pragmatic approach that includes:
- Prioritizing Committed Contracts: Ensuring that projects already under signed contracts are not sidelined or delayed by political turnover.
- Unlocking ProInversión’s Portfolio: Moving the current backlog of projects managed by ProInversión from the "planning phase" to the "execution phase."
- Focus on Social Infrastructure: Moving beyond large-scale transport projects to focus on water, sanitation, and rural connectivity—the "basic services" that directly impact the daily lives of the most vulnerable populations.
Supporting Data: The Multi-Billion Dollar Opportunity
During the press briefing following his appointment, Pacheco Romaní presented a compelling case for the immediate mobilization of private capital. He highlighted that AFIN has identified a portfolio of infrastructure projects valued at approximately US$ 50 billion.
The Economic Multiplier Effect
According to the methodology utilized in the National Infrastructure Plan, these projects carry significant potential for the Peruvian labor market.
- Investment Horizon: 5 to 6 years.
- Employment Potential: Approximately 2 million formal jobs.
- Strategic Focus: The proposed investments are designed to boost both national productivity and regional connectivity.
Pacheco noted that the calculation of 2 million jobs represents a conservative estimate, accounting for both direct employment in construction and indirect growth in the supply chain, logistics, and services sectors. "The math is clear," he stated. "If we accelerate these investments, we not only build roads and hospitals; we build a resilient, formal, and competitive economy."
Official Responses and Industry Outlook
The business community and economic analysts have reacted positively to the appointment. The sentiment is that Pacheco’s familiarity with the internal operations of AFIN will allow for a "seamless transition" without the typical period of adjustment for a new executive.
Perspectives from the Field
Industry experts emphasize that the success of Pacheco’s term will depend heavily on the government’s willingness to provide legal certainty. "The technical ability is there," says an analyst from a leading Lima-based consultancy. "The challenge is that infrastructure is a long-term game, while politics is often short-term. Pacheco’s role is to act as the institutional anchor that keeps the long-term vision in focus."
The government, for its part, has signaled a willingness to engage, recognizing that private investment is the only viable path to meet the ambitious targets set for 2031.
Implications for the Future of Peru
The appointment of Juan Antonio Pacheco Romaní as AFIN President carries deep implications for the future of Peru’s development.
1. The Institutionalization of Public-Private Cooperation
By elevating a former General Manager to the Presidency, AFIN is signaling a move toward institutional stability. It suggests that the association wants to focus on steady, incremental progress in its dialogue with the state, rather than aggressive, adversarial posturing.
2. A Shift Toward Social Equity
Infrastructure is often viewed through the lens of macro-economics—GDP growth and trade efficiency. Pacheco’s explicit focus on "social infrastructure" suggests a pivot toward projects that offer immediate, tangible benefits to citizens, such as water and sanitation systems. This is a critical move to gain public support for large-scale PPPs, which have occasionally faced social opposition in the past.
3. The Need for Speed
The most significant implication is the urgency of the "execution gap." With US$ 50 billion in potential projects identified, the bottleneck is no longer a lack of interest or capital, but rather the administrative and regulatory capacity to award and monitor contracts. Under Pacheco’s leadership, AFIN is expected to act as a catalyst—and perhaps a watchdog—to ensure that the government streamlines these processes.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for AFIN
As the country looks toward 2031, the role of AFIN has never been more critical. Under the stewardship of Juan Antonio Pacheco Romaní, the association is poised to redefine its role from a simple advocate to an active partner in the nation’s growth.
"Peru cannot afford to wait," Pacheco concluded in his address. With a clear vision, a deep understanding of the legal and financial frameworks, and a massive pipeline of potential projects ready for development, his tenure will likely be measured by how many of those 2 million jobs materialize on the ground. The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but with the right leadership and a committed private sector, the potential for a transformative era in Peruvian infrastructure is well within reach.
About AFIN
The Association for the Promotion of National Infrastructure (AFIN) is the premier business guild representing the country’s leading concessionaires. It operates across multiple strategic sectors, including energy, transportation, social infrastructure, telecommunications, water, and irrigation. AFIN is committed to the development of sustainable, high-impact projects that enhance the competitiveness and connectivity of Peru.
