European Union

Europe Day was celebrated in Lima at the prestigious San Isidro Country Club in Lima. The celebration started with a Master Class by the economist Pierre Defraigne (ULg, UCL, Harvard), guest professor at the Collège d’Europe in Bruges and at Sciences Po in Paris, etc. who discussed the contributions and weaknesses, or deficiencies, and hopes generated by the European Union.

Many authorities were present, including the President of the Republic of Peru, Mr Pedro Pablo Kuczynski and his wife, the Ambassador of the Permanent Delegation of the European Union to Peru, the Ambassadors of European Member States, in particular, His Excellency Mr Michel Dewez, the Ambassador of His Majesty the King of Belgium, the President of EuroCámaras or the European Chamber of Commerce in Peru (bearing in mind that it also represents Britain and Switzerland), the Chamber of Commerce and Culture of Belgium and Luxembourg, the representative of the FIT/Trade Attaché to the Belgian Embassy, etc.

Europe, undoubtedly a major economic and cultural partner for Peru, remains a subject of analysis by Peruvian and international media, politicians and enterprises, especially since Brexit and the elections in the Netherlands and France, which have brought to the surface what needs to be learned and what needs to be done to prevent its dismantling and disintegration in order to rebuild it and restore it to good health. 

Corruption? Protecting your company

Corruption in Peru
How to prevent your company from falling under suspicion and the "anti-corruption" measures implemented by the country?

Corruption is an endemic problem in our societies and Peru is no exception to the rule, but the country now legislates, regulates and punishes such acts by direct and indirect stakeholders thanks to the legislative decree D.L1352 which replaces regulation 3024.

Crimes in which companies may find themselves caught up may be very costly for their organisation and finances, as well as for their directors or the service providers that work with or for the company.

Currently, greater consideration is paid to the cost of the damage or destruction of the reputation of a company and/or its directors, as much in moral terms as in legal terms.

The regulation comes into force in Peru on 1 January 2018 and companies will be required to prove that they have set up an anti-corruption management and prevention system with the appointment of one or more "anti-corruption officers" for the company, which are either internal and/or external, with training and/or information sessions on the subject for all the company's direct or indirect members.

In view of the situation and extent of corruption in Peruvian society, as well as its international and global infiltration, despite the punishments and constraints being real, the measures will, first of all, focus on the "cosmetic" aspect of companies' internal and external affairs. This is because many aspects are far from being solved within the country, the society, the administrative and governmental apparatus and elsewhere.

This is why the Chambers of Commerce, in particular those from European Union countries, are contacting civil servants, law firms, notaries, accountants and other specialists to inform and protect their existing and future members, as well as their companies, departments and other members or suppliers and clients.

Being one step ahead is often the key to success and peace of mind! Being in line with laws or preparing for their entry into force, even good preparation in this field, including in moral terms, will be further elements to add to the challenges already faced by our companies and those who manage them, work for them, work with them in the spotlight of the "justice" system, the administration, the media, public opinion, clients, direct suppliers, staff and other direct or indirect end contributors.