Lima, Peru – A high-level delegation of Swiss business leaders and institutional representatives, operating under the banner of "Team Switzerland," has concluded a pivotal working visit to Lima, solidifying a commitment to bolster cooperation in critical infrastructure development and long-term investment. The mission, supported by the state credit insurance agency SERV and showcasing advanced Swiss technological prowess, focused on exploring opportunities in vital sectors such as transportation, underground construction, and disaster mitigation. This strategic engagement underscores Switzerland’s growing influence as a key foreign investor in Peru, aiming to leverage its engineering excellence and financial backing for the nation’s ambitious development agenda.
During a reception hosted at the official Swiss Residence, Ambassador Eric Mayoraz and Pierre Giannoni, President of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Peru (SwissCham Peru), highlighted Switzerland’s consistent presence among the top ten foreign investors in the Peruvian market. ProActivo delves into the comprehensive scope of this mission, which included crucial meetings with the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC), the Vice-Ministry of Economy and Finance, multilateral organizations like the World Bank, IFC, and IDB, and the Lima Chamber of Commerce. Technical visits to the Line 2 of the Lima Metro and a proposed coastal cable car project in Lima provided tangible insights into Peru’s infrastructure needs and potential Swiss contributions.
Strategic Alliance and State-Guaranteed Financing: A Boon for Peru
Ambassador Eric Mayoraz articulated a vision of complementary strengths between Switzerland and Peru, particularly in addressing complex geographical challenges. He emphasized that Peru’s abundant natural resources and robust macroeconomic stability create a fertile ground for private capital investment.
"We share with Peru a complicated geography, and over the past decades, we have developed solutions to resolve the problems that affect us," Ambassador Mayoraz stated. "I am convinced that these solutions and experiences can be shared with our Peruvian partners. The Swiss private sector has consistently ranked among the top ten investors in the country in recent years."
This sentiment was echoed by Pierre Giannoni, President of SwissCham Peru, who underscored the Chamber’s crucial role as a facilitator, connecting Swiss expertise with the specific demands of the Peruvian market. "Peru needs more and better infrastructure; transport and logistics are the bedrock of its competitiveness and growth. Switzerland has much to offer in this domain: precision engineering, innovation, quality, and solutions that endure over time. Every significant investment begins with a conversation," Giannoni remarked.
Team Switzerland: De-risking Investment and Enhancing Credit Access for Peru
A cornerstone of the delegation’s presence was the active engagement of "Team Switzerland." This collaborative initiative, comprising Switzerland Global Enterprise and the export risk insurance agency SERV, is dedicated to facilitating access to competitive, long-term financing schemes for Peruvian projects that integrate Swiss technology.
Luiz Nano, Project Officer for Infrastructure at Switzerland Global Enterprise, explained their proactive approach: "Our role for Latin America and for Peru is to work proactively in seeking out projects, supporting Swiss companies and developers in finding good solutions from Switzerland, and accessing attractive long-term financing rates with the backing of the Swiss export credit agency."
The representative from the state credit agency further elaborated on Switzerland’s keen interest in partnering with Peruvian contractors, construction firms, and investors to drive local project development. Armando Goes, Senior Vice President of Project and Infrastructure Finance at SERV, provided clarity on the agency’s mandate: "SERV is the Swiss Government’s agency for export support. We provide credit guarantees and insurance to exporters and banks financing export contracts. We also support infrastructure projects and general projects that utilize Swiss technology and content. Peru is a market where we currently have limited exposure, but a significant appetite for investment."
A Technological and Engineering Platform Rooted in Peru
Throughout the intensive engagement, executives from participating Swiss companies showcased their innovative solutions and extensive experience, both within Peru and on the global stage. This exchange highlighted the diverse capabilities Switzerland brings to the table.
Geobrugg: A specialist in high-technology manufacturing of disaster risk protection systems, Geobrugg has made significant strides in Peru. Rolando Romero, its General Manager in Peru, proudly noted the installation of 12 debris flow barriers in Chosica (in its second phase), supplementing the 23 barriers erected in 2016 to safeguard lives and infrastructure from devastating flash floods. This demonstrates a tangible commitment to mitigating natural disaster risks in vulnerable regions.
Lombardi: With over 70 years of global experience in underground and hydraulic works, Lombardi is a distinguished engineering firm. Fernando Saba, Operations Manager, recounted the company’s pivotal role in the design of ventilation systems and complex excavation for the Gotthard Base Tunnel – the world’s longest and deepest railway tunnel, spanning 57 kilometers. In Peru, Lombardi’s contributions include work on the Cerro del Águila Hydroelectric Power Plant, the Line 2 of the Lima Metro, and crucial projects aimed at mitigating the impacts of El Niño phenomena. Their expertise in large-scale subterranean projects positions them as ideal partners for Peru’s expanding underground infrastructure needs.
SGS del Perú: A leader in inspection, testing, and certification services, SGS has been operating in Peru for over 40 years and boasts a global legacy of more than a century. Enrique Hare, a company representative, emphasized SGS’s role in minimizing technical, environmental, and quality risks across key Peruvian industries such as mining, fishing, agriculture, and infrastructure. Their comprehensive service portfolio ensures adherence to international standards and best practices, a critical factor in large-scale infrastructure development.
Sonneville AG: As a global provider of slab track systems for metro and high-speed rail lines, Sonneville AG has a proven track record with projects in major cities worldwide, including Mumbai, New York, Copenhagen, and Switzerland. Notably, the company has already installed a segment within Lima’s existing rail system, demonstrating their capacity to deliver advanced track solutions tailored to urban transit needs.
Terminal Portuario de Paracas (TPP): This port concession, established in 2014 and wholly operated by the Swiss group TIL, is poised for significant expansion. César Rojas, TPP’s General Manager, confirmed an intensive investment plan focused on environmental stewardship to bolster its logistical capabilities. This aligns with Peru’s strategic goals to enhance its maritime trade infrastructure and connectivity.
The mission was further supported by the innovative drone technology firm Wingtra and the global commodities leader Glencore. The executive coordination for the entire delegation was expertly managed by Corinne Schirmer, Executive Director of SwissCham Peru, ensuring seamless logistical and organizational execution.
Implications for Peru’s Development Trajectory
The comprehensive nature of this Swiss delegation’s visit signifies more than just a series of meetings; it represents a strategic convergence of interests and capabilities. For Peru, this partnership offers access to world-class engineering, cutting-edge technology, and crucial financial instruments backed by state guarantees. The focus on critical infrastructure—transportation networks, underground construction for urban expansion, and disaster resilience—directly addresses some of the nation’s most pressing developmental challenges.
The involvement of SERV, in particular, is a significant catalyst. By providing credit insurance and guarantees, SERV de-risks investments for Swiss companies and potentially lowers the cost of capital for Peruvian projects. This makes ambitious infrastructure undertakings more financially viable and attractive to both local developers and international lenders. The emphasis on long-term financing also signals a commitment to projects that will have a lasting impact on Peru’s economic and social development.
Furthermore, the technical visits to projects like the Line 2 of the Lima Metro and the proposed cable car system provide a clear demonstration of Swiss firms’ ability to adapt their expertise to Peru’s specific urban and geographical contexts. This hands-on approach, coupled with the deep technical knowledge shared by companies like Geobrugg and Lombardi, offers tangible solutions for issues ranging from urban mobility to natural hazard mitigation.
The presence of multilateral organizations such as the World Bank, IFC, and IDB at the discussions further signals the potential for broader financial support and technical assistance, creating a robust ecosystem for infrastructure development. This collaborative environment is essential for tackling the scale and complexity of Peru’s infrastructure deficit.
In conclusion, the "Team Switzerland" mission to Lima marks a significant step forward in forging a deeper, more strategic partnership between the two nations. It underscores Switzerland’s role not just as an investor, but as a provider of integrated solutions, combining technological innovation, engineering excellence, and robust financial backing to empower Peru’s ambitious infrastructure development agenda and secure a more resilient and prosperous future for its citizens. The conversations initiated and the opportunities explored are poised to translate into tangible projects that will shape Peru’s landscape for generations to come.
