The National Confederation of Private Business Institutions (CONFIEP), the preeminent representative body for the Peruvian private sector, has officially announced the appointment of Carlos García Jerí as its new General Manager. This strategic move marks a significant transition for the organization, which serves as the umbrella for 21 diverse trade associations spanning micro, small, medium, and large enterprises across ten key economic sectors of the nation.
As CONFIEP navigates a complex socio-economic landscape, García Jerí’s appointment is viewed as a calculated effort to fortify the institution’s operational framework. He will work in direct partnership with the current president of CONFIEP, Jorge Zapata Ríos, to drive a robust agenda centered on the acceleration of private investment, the enhancement of national competitiveness, the formalization of the labor market, and the promotion of decentralized regional development.
A Proven Track Record: The Profile of Carlos García Jerí
The selection of Carlos García Jerí was not a decision made in isolation but rather the result of a rigorous evaluation of his extensive executive career. An engineer by training, García Jerí is widely recognized as a senior executive with deep expertise in strategic direction, institutional governance, and the leadership of large-scale national business organizations.
Previous Institutional Leadership
García Jerí’s career is characterized by his tenure at the helm of some of Peru’s most influential business associations. Before accepting the role at CONFIEP, he served as the General Manager of the Lima Chamber of Commerce (CCL), a role that demanded high-level crisis management and stakeholder engagement. Prior to that, he held the same position at the National Society of Industries (SNI). In these capacities, he led critical processes regarding institutional sustainability, gremial representation, and sophisticated management control systems. His experience in navigating the complex intersections of public-private relationships is expected to be a vital asset for CONFIEP in its ongoing advocacy efforts.
Expertise in Foreign Trade and Internationalization
Perhaps one of the most defining aspects of his career is his decade-long leadership of the Foreign Trade Center at the Lima Chamber of Commerce. During this period, he was instrumental in crafting initiatives that facilitated the internationalization of Peruvian enterprises. By fostering international cooperation and strengthening the mechanisms of foreign trade, he proved his ability to bridge local business interests with the requirements of a globalized economy.
Academic and Intellectual Contributions
Beyond his corporate responsibilities, García Jerí has maintained a commitment to intellectual and academic growth. He has served as a professor of International Business at the Universidad del Pacífico, one of Peru’s most prestigious academic institutions. His formal education—which includes an MBA from CENTRUM Graduate Business School, alongside specialized executive training in high-level management and crisis administration—provides him with the analytical tools necessary to manage the multifaceted challenges facing the modern Peruvian business landscape.
Chronology of Institutional Evolution
To understand the weight of this appointment, one must look at the history and evolution of CONFIEP. Since its inception, the organization has functioned as the primary interlocutor between the private sector and the State.
- Foundation and Consolidation: CONFIEP was established to unify the voices of fragmented business sectors. Over the decades, it has evolved from a simple lobby group into a complex organization that influences national public policy.
- The Shift toward Decentralization: In the last ten years, the organization has faced increased pressure to move beyond the "Lima-centric" model. García Jerí’s appointment arrives at a time when the confederation is actively seeking to project its influence into the interior of the country.
- Recent Transitions: The current leadership under Jorge Zapata Ríos has emphasized a more collaborative approach to governance. The hiring of a seasoned manager like García Jerí represents the second phase of this strategy: ensuring that the institutional machinery is capable of delivering on the promises made to the various regional chambers and member associations.
Supporting Data: The Economic Context of the Appointment
The role of the General Manager at CONFIEP is inextricably linked to the economic performance of Peru. As of the current fiscal period, several indicators underscore why García Jerí’s specific skillset—particularly in investment and competitiveness—is so highly valued.
The Challenge of Informality
Peru continues to grapple with a high rate of labor informality, which fluctuates between 70% and 75% depending on the region. CONFIEP has consistently argued that excessive regulatory burdens and a lack of clear incentives for formalization are the primary drivers of this issue. García Jerí’s previous experience with the National Society of Industries puts him in a unique position to advocate for legislative reforms that lower the barriers to formal enterprise, thereby expanding the tax base and providing social security to a larger portion of the workforce.
Investment and Competitiveness
According to recent reports from the World Economic Forum and local economic research centers, Peru’s competitiveness ranking has stagnated. This is largely attributed to institutional instability and the "red tape" that discourages long-term private investment. García Jerí’s background in foreign trade and institutional management is expected to be leveraged to create a more predictable environment for domestic and international investors.
Official Responses and Stakeholder Expectations
The announcement of the new General Manager has been met with broad consensus among the 21 trade associations represented by CONFIEP.
The Perspective of the Presidency
Jorge Zapata Ríos, President of CONFIEP, emphasized the importance of this addition: "The arrival of Carlos García Jerí is a strategic move to strengthen our institutional articulation. His profound understanding of the gremial ecosystem, combined with his experience in crisis management, will allow us to move from rhetoric to concrete action in our pursuit of national competitiveness and regional development."
The View from the Member Associations
Representatives from various sectors—including agriculture, mining, and manufacturing—have noted that the appointment provides a sense of continuity and professional stability. Many leaders within the member associations have signaled that they expect García Jerí to focus heavily on the "de-centralization of services," ensuring that regional chambers receive the same level of institutional support as those based in the capital.
Implications for the Future of the Peruvian Private Sector
The appointment of Carlos García Jerí is not merely a change in personnel; it is a signal of a shift in the confederation’s operational philosophy.
1. Strengthening Institutional Articulation
One of the primary goals for the coming term is to create a more seamless flow of information between the executive board of CONFIEP and its diverse member base. García Jerí’s expertise in "institutional sustainability" will likely be directed toward optimizing the organization’s internal processes, ensuring that the 21 trade associations feel adequately represented and empowered to participate in national policy debates.
2. A Focus on Regional Development
The mandate to promote "opportunities for the regions" is perhaps the most significant challenge. For too long, the economic disparity between the coastal cities and the Andean and Amazonian regions has been a point of social friction. By utilizing his experience in internationalization and institutional management, García Jerí is expected to implement programs that help regional entrepreneurs access global markets, thereby generating wealth outside of the traditional industrial hubs.
3. Crisis Management and Public Policy
In a volatile political climate, the ability to manage crises is paramount. With his specialized training in administration of crisis and his history of working with public entities, García Jerí will likely play a key role in representing the private sector in tense negotiations with the government. His objective will be to ensure that the private sector remains a steady, reliable partner in the country’s development, regardless of political shifts.
Conclusion
As Carlos García Jerí assumes his role as the new General Manager of CONFIEP, he enters an organization at a crossroads. The pressures of a globalized economy, the urgent need for labor formalization, and the ongoing demand for decentralized growth require a leader who is as much an administrator as he is a strategist.
Given his extensive background in the Lima Chamber of Commerce and the National Society of Industries, García Jerí possesses the institutional memory and the technical acumen required to navigate these complexities. His tenure will be judged by his ability to translate the private sector’s vision into tangible, measurable growth for the country. As the business community looks toward the future, the partnership between Jorge Zapata Ríos and Carlos García Jerí appears poised to provide the stability and forward-thinking leadership that the Peruvian economy requires to regain its competitive edge in the Latin American region.
