Lima, Peru – [Insert Date] – Peru, a nation rich in natural resources and cultural heritage, grapples with a stark reality of economic disparity. While the capital, Lima Metropolitana, continues to dominate the national economic landscape, its vast potential remains largely untapped in the country’s diverse regions. This stark imbalance, characterized by significant differences in infrastructure, access to finance, and formal employment opportunities, will be a central theme at the upcoming CADE Ejecutivos 2026, organized by IPAE Acción Empresarial. The forum aims to bridge this divide by fostering a critical dialogue between regional business leaders and national stakeholders, seeking actionable strategies to ignite entrepreneurial growth beyond the capital.
The latest data from the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI) paints a clear picture of this uneven development. In 2025, Lima Metropolitana accounted for a commanding 39.9% of Peru’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In stark contrast, departments like Amazonas contributed a mere 0.6% to the national economic output. This concentration of wealth and economic activity in the capital leaves many regions struggling to attract investment and create sustainable opportunities for their citizens.
The situation in Cajamarca serves as a potent, albeit concerning, illustration of this contradiction. The region boasts seven mining projects in its pipeline, collectively valued at over US$16.586 billion, according to the Ministry of Energy and Mines (Minem). This significant resource potential, however, has not translated into widespread prosperity. In 2025, Cajamarca registered a monetary poverty rate of 41%, the highest in the nation, as reported by the INEI. This alarming statistic underscores a critical disconnect between resource wealth and the lived realities of its inhabitants, highlighting the urgent need for more inclusive and equitable development models.
The Core of the Matter: A Regional Perspective on Growth
CADE Ejecutivos 2026, under the overarching theme "Unidos para Avanzar" (United to Advance), will dedicate a pivotal session to understanding the vision of regional chambers of commerce. Titled "¿Cómo generamos más crecimiento empresarial en las regiones? La visión de las cámaras de comercio regionales" (How do we generate more business growth in the regions? The vision of regional chambers of commerce), this session aims to amplify the voices of entrepreneurs operating outside Lima. It will delve into their expectations from businesses in Lima and the central government, and crucially, explore the proactive measures they can implement within their own territories to foster new avenues for development.
This crucial discussion will feature prominent figures in Peru’s business landscape, including José Fernando Santoyo, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Cusco, and Jorge Zapata, president of the National Confederation of Private Business Institutions (CONFIEP). Their participation, alongside other regional chamber presidents, signifies a commitment to confronting the challenges of regional economic development head-on. The session is poised to be a vital platform for identifying the specific barriers preventing regional businesses from thriving and for collaboratively charting a course toward greater prosperity.
The Unseen Engines of Growth: Regional Exports Surge
The economic dynamism of Peru’s regions is not solely dependent on centralized investment. Their contribution to the national economy is significant and growing, particularly in the export sector. Between January and July 2026, over 86% of the country’s goods exports originated from the interior regions. This impressive figure was accompanied by a substantial growth of 36% compared to the same period in 2025. This robust performance highlights the inherent potential of regional economies and underscores the importance of creating an environment that further empowers these engines of growth to expand their reach in both domestic and international markets.
The inclusion of CONFIEP in this dialogue is particularly noteworthy. Their involvement will ensure that the broader perspective of national private enterprise is integrated into the discussion, bridging the gap between regional aspirations and national business strategies. This session at CADE Ejecutivos 2026 builds upon a legacy of engagement with regional issues. A significant milestone was reached at CADE Ejecutivos 2023 in Urubamba, where presidents of chambers of commerce from 15 regions signed a Declaration for Reactivation and Bridging Gaps. Three years later, CADE Ejecutivos once again convenes these key regional business representatives, reaffirming their role in shaping the national development agenda and demanding the necessary conditions for their territories to flourish.
The Gaping Chasm: Quantifying the Barriers to Regional Growth
The disparities in competitiveness and access to finance are not mere anecdotal observations; they are quantifiable challenges that significantly hinder the potential of regional economies. The Regional Competitiveness Index (INCORE) 2026, compiled by the Peruvian Economic Institute (IPE), starkly illustrates this divide. Lima scores an impressive 7.5 out of 10, while Loreto lags behind with a score of 3.6. This gap is particularly pronounced in infrastructure, where Lima achieves 8.7 points compared to Loreto’s 4.3.
Access to financial resources further accentuates this disparity. As of September 2025, enterprise credits within the formal financial system in Lima and Callao amounted to S/ 182,359 million. In contrast, the rest of the country collectively received only S/ 67,250 million, according to data from the Institute of Economics and Business Development of the Lima Chamber of Commerce, utilizing information from the Superintendence of Banking, Insurance, and Pension Funds (SBS). These stark figures reveal how limited access to capital can stifle the ability of regional businesses to invest, innovate, and scale their operations to compete effectively in larger markets.
Adding to these financial hurdles is the persistent challenge of translating public resources into tangible infrastructure and services that actively facilitate economic activity. Despite public investment reaching S/ 60,422 million in 2025, a staggering 19,437 projects remained without financial execution by July 2026. This inefficiency, highlighted by data from the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and the Private Competitiveness Council, represents a significant missed opportunity to boost regional economies and improve the quality of life for their inhabitants. The disconnect between allocated funds and actual project completion points to systemic issues in public administration that require urgent attention.
A Call to Action: Uniting for Inclusive Progress
The CADE Ejecutivos 2026, under its inspiring motto "Unidos para Avanzar," is more than just a forum for discussion; it is a call to action. The event seeks to foster greater collaboration among businesses, the government, academia, and civil society to generate widespread opportunities for growth across the entire nation. The dedicated session focusing on regional chambers of commerce is designed to be a catalyst for change, providing a platform for these vital actors to articulate their priorities and present their proposed solutions. By amplifying their voices and acknowledging their indispensable role, CADE Ejecutivos aims to reinforce the power of regional businesses to drive development from within their own territories.
The success of Peru’s economic future hinges on its ability to harness the full potential of all its regions. Addressing the deep-seated inequalities and fostering an environment conducive to regional entrepreneurship is not merely an economic imperative, but a social and ethical one. CADE Ejecutivos 2026 represents a crucial opportunity to move beyond rhetoric and toward concrete actions that will ensure a more equitable and prosperous future for all Peruvians.
For comprehensive details regarding the CADE Ejecutivos 2026 forum and its agenda, please visit:
https://www.ipae.pe/cade-ejecutivos-2026/
