The economy has been further boosted with the growth in exports and the inflow of important amounts of foreign capital. Owing both to upward growth in the economy and resultant social welfare reforms, living standards have improved over the last decade.
Manufacturing is concentrated in processed foods, chemicals, metal products, machinery and textiles.
Tourism has become increasingly important, a fact reflected in rapid growth over the last two decades, as well as an upsurge in foreign investment. International analysts are confident, however, that Peru's solid macroeconomic foundations and the government's commitment to sound economic management spell out rosy prospects for continuing growth in the future. Peru's major trading partners are the USA, Japan, Brazil and Germany. Although the majority speak Spanish, many business people speak English.