A Lecture by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Republic of Peru to Japan Commemorating the Yamaguchi University’s 200th Anniversary is Held

On Monday, May 27,　H. E. Mr. Elard Escala, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Republic of Peru to Japan delivered a lecture entitled “The Prospect of Economic Exchange between Japan and Peru” at the Yamaguchi University Hall. This lecture, co-hosted by Yamaguchi University and Yamaguchi-Peru Association (Asociación Yamaguchi-Peru), drew an audience of approximately 80 participants from inside and outside the university.

Prior to the lecture, President Marumoto introduced the Ambassador. Noting that this year marks the 14oth anniversary since Japan and Peru’s diplomatic relationship, he expressed his hope for an even more active exchange　in the future.

After describing current trade conditions between Japan and Peru, as well as general data regarding Peru’s land area, population, and GDP, Ambassador Escala highlighted Peru’s advantages as an investable country and its leadership capacities as a middle power in international relations. Furthermore, he spoke enthusiastically about the necessity of Japan’s participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the political and economic advantages of the Pacific Alliance that includes Peru, Columbia, Mexico and Chili and high degree of attention from the world including Japan to the Alliance.

Given the valuable opportunity to ask the Ambassador direct questions, participants queried actively during the Q & A session after the lecture. Ambassador Escala answered participants’　questions in extensive detail, and the event was a fruitful one for all involved.

Peru and Japan have deep historical ties. Japanese emigration to Peru began in the Meiji Period, 2009 marked its 110th anniversary. Given the fact that there are a large number of migrants from Yamaguchi Prefecture, Yamaguchi Kenjin Association of Peru (Asociación Yamaguchi Kenjin del Perú) has been organized. Yamaguchi-Peru Association has served as a liaison between Yamaguchi Prefecture and Yamaguchi Kenjin Association of Peru. As the Ambassador noted, Peru is a country with diversified ecosystem that continues to grow economically. With Peru’s initiative, the integration of South American countries in the cultural, social, political and economic aspects has also been advanced. Ambassador Escala’s lecture ended on this positive note, and offered its participants the opportunity to reflect upon future economic exchange between Japan and Peru.