Víctor Hugo Rivera Says, “With Four Conventions like PERUMIN a Year We Will Showcase Arequipa to the World”

• Mining event expects the arrival of over 65,000 national and international attendees.

Victor Hugo Rivera, the provincial mayor of Arequipa, emphasized that the arrival of PERUMIN 36 in Arequipa  has helped position the city as the city of conventions. Therefore, efforts must continue to ensure that through such events, development is generated, which also depends on the private sector progressing in this city.

"We project that hosting four major conventions a year will ensure that Arequipa gains global visibility. PERUMIN has already played its part by showcasing our White City. It is now our responsibility to work towards attracting private investors," he stated in an opinion article for the institutional magazine of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Arequipa.

In this sense, the PERUMIN Mining Convention, the main event of the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers, expects to host over 60,000 visitors from different parts of Peru and the world, generate 80 million soles in sales for the hotel, restaurant, and commercial sectors, and encourage the average tourist spending to triple from 200 to 600 dollars.

Mining's Impact

Regarding the impact of mining in the region, Victor Hugo Rivera pointed out that the mining sector in Arequipa accounts for 30% of the regional GDP. It is one of the most important sources of development for the city and has the potential to generate support policies that go beyond the current regulations to close gaps in health, education, and transportation.

"Arequipa as a city can and is prepared to accommodate more large-scale mining projects, whether they are greenfield and brownfield. It ranks as the second most important city in Peru after Lima. It has significant mineral reserves that, if managed effectively, will guarantee progress," emphasized the authority.

Call for Peace

Finally, he took the opportunity to call for peace, emphasizing that conflicts only lead to underdevelopment and discourage private investment. Dialogue is the path to mutual progress for regions and the private sector. There is no need for violence; on the contrary, unity is essential for collective progress.

"With a population of 1.5 million residents, Arequipa has the potential to become a metropolis with 2.5 million inhabitants. Our geographical area is ready for demographic growth, and this could materialize through fruitful collaboration with the mining industry," highlighted the provincial mayor of Arequipa in the opinion column.