For its part, Peru attaches considerable importance to its growing relationship with Canada as a significant source of investment, expertise, and constructive cooperation, as well as an influential global and hemispheric partner. The year 2000 has marked a critical period in Peru s history, with many significant political changes and upheavals taking place. This mission, and the resulting OAS-sponsored Democratization Dialogue process, were initiated in early June 2000 as a means to explore, with the Government of Peru and other sectors of the political community, options and reforms aimed at furthering democracy in the country. New agreements have also been signed in the areas of science and technology, CIDA development cooperation in the mining sector, and mutual legal assistance.
Development assistance remains a key component in our bilateral relationship.
Commercial contacts are expanding dramatically. Canadian companies play a key role in the Peruvian business community and enjoy an excellent reputation. This is reflected in the number of Canadian companies currently active in the country, mainly in the mining sector but also in telecommunications, energy, environment, agriculture, banking and in the printing industry. There are presently more than 65 Canadian companies established in Peru, and over 200 are represented through local agents. Over the past several years, Peru has implemented a significant program of economic reform and liberalization.